By LYNETTE HAALAND Four Points News

Austin Mayor Steve Adler issued a new mask rule for local businesses on Wednesday, June 17 saying they must require employees and customers to wear masks.

The supplemental order directs businesses to come up with a “simple safety plan” over the next several days concerning masks.

“During this time, we will transition to a more direct order on masks, working with our business community so our whole city moves forward together and so that everyone can get prepared,” said Adler, late on June 17.

“Wearing masks is important — to our health and to opening up the economy,” Adler said. “Austin businesses are great and many of them, if not most, have already done this.”

Under Adler’s order, businesses must develop and display a health and safety policy that requires a face covering while on the premises.

There are some exceptions to the mask mandate:

If you are alone in a single, separate space

If you are among people of the same household

If you are eating or drinking

If you are outdoors engaging in an allowed activity with social distancing

If wearing a mask poses a safety or health risk

The order took effect at 11:59 p.m. on June 17, but businesses will have until June 23 to develop and implement their health and safety plan.