The Political Insider

On Monday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that $250 fines will be issued by law enforcement to citizens not wearing masks after they receive their first warning.

“Lives are at stake so I’m taking this step to drive these numbers down,” Turner declared.

RELATED: Going To Court: Georgia Gov. Kemp Says Atlanta Mayor Bottoms Is Wrong For Mandating Masks

Houston COVID-19 cases are high compared to national average but are going down

Houston registered its fifth day in a row Monday of 1,000-plus additional coronavirus cases, coupled with less hospitalizations and a 17.6 percent drop in positive cases.

Houston has registered 50,000 virus cases and 472 deaths.

Miami’s Mayor institutes harsh penalties for non-mask wearers

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez ordered police in July to issue fines to citizens not wearing masks. A $100 citation would be issued for the first offense and second offense, then an arrest or notice to appear in court for third offenses.

Miami Police Commander Freddie Cruz recently told CBS4 in an interview that, “We don’t want to be the bad guy, we have to contain COVID-19 and educate the public and so some individuals are going to receive citations if they violate emergency rules.”

RELATED: D.C. Mayor: If You Are In Public And Over 2-Years-Old Without A Mask, You Could Be Fined Up To $1,000

‘Let’s embrace it and contain COVID-19 and stay healthy’

“There have been several weeks of warnings about how important this is and how people can be fined.” Cruz continued. “We don’t want to be a bad person. We are asking everyone please cooperate. It’s the law. It’s like wearing a seat belt. It’s like stopping at a red light. It’s the new normal.”

“Let’s embrace it and contain COVID-19 and stay healthy,” Cruz added. “We’ve ad several weeks now of warnings and we are even providing face masks that have been given out.”

In Broward County, Florida, face coverings are mandatory in all public spaces and those in violation of the ordinance could face fines of $1,000 per day or up to 60 days in jail.