New Braunfels City Council members on Monday unanimously voted to lift a mandate requiring the public to don face coverings while visiting city facilities. The new policy went into effect immediately. Per Gov. Abbottâs executive order, members of the public visiting city facilities are âstrongly encouragedâ to wear a mask or other face covering, but they will no longer be required to do so. On March 8, council members voted to increase capacity and operate all city facilities at 100% occupancy but continue requiring the public to use face coverings when social distancing was not feasible. That decision came after Abbottâs executive order rescinding statewide face covering and occupancy requirements went into effect.