The Health Committee in the Jalisco Congress has approved an initiative that would enshrine in state law penalties for violators of preventive measures established during a health contingency, including the use of face masks.
According to the law’s first draft, adults who run afoul of Jalisco government face mask mandates could face up to 36 hours in jail or community service. The legislation would cover wearing face masks in public spaces, on public transport, in taxis, and in private businesses with public access. Human rights experts have warned that arresting people for not wearing face masks could lead to abuse or extortion by authorities.