5,000 more masks for businesses

Taos uses emergency funds for third pop-up event

For its third pop-up event, the town of Taos is handing out 5,000 more masks to the business community for free.

In an effort to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, officials at the town of Taos have secured emergency funds and will be giving out cloth masks to those who need them.

One representative from each business will be allowed to stop by the town’s booth from 8:30-10 a.m. at 120 Civic Plaza Drive on Friday (July 11) for a free box of masks.

The masks are washable and reusable, according to town staff.

So far, the town has handed out over 10,000 free masks to the community in two previous pop-up events.

Masks are now required to be worn in public by Mayor Dan Barrone’s public health order. Anyone found in violation of the mask mandate may face a petty misdemeanor charge with a fine of up to $500 or 90 days in jail.

As the state continues to combat the coronavirus, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has imposed a statewide mask mandate for the public. Everyone in the public is required to wear a face mask unless they are exercising, eating or drinking.

In addition, the governor has mandated that all out-of-state visitors not traveling for essential business – as defined by the state – undergo a 14-day quarantine.