AUSTIN, Texas — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, the City of Austin is creating drastic new ordinances that could leave you with a heavy fine. 

The Austin City Council Thursday approved an ordinance that creates penalties for businesses or work sites that fail to uphold city and state mandates designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

The city council also authorized the health authority to make rules to fine individuals up to $2,000 for not wearing a mask. This comes after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order last week requiring all Texans to wear a face mask in public spaces in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases.

Any Texan who violates the statewide mandate twice could face a $250 fine.

It is unclear how the city ordinances will be enforced.