Hillsborough County decides against mandatory face masks

Hillsborough rescinds curfew, decides against masks

Josh Cascio reports

TAMPA, Fla. - Wearing face masks while in public could become a requirement in Hillsborough County as leaders The county's Emergency Policy Group will discuss the idea of implementing a mandatory mask order during a Thursday meeting. If approved, it would likely take effect immediately.

Tampa mayor Jane Castor brought up the idea Monday, saying it can provide another layer of protection for residents against the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Last week, the CDC recommended for all Americans to wear masks in public. Soon after, Hillsborough County leaders asked residents to voluntarily follow those guideline.

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On Monday, Mayor Castor suggested making it requirement. During that meeting, the EPG voted 5-3 to enact a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, but tabled the mask requirement order for Thursday's meeting.

Masks not a magic bullet for preventing COVID-19

The CDC recommends everyone wear a mask in public and Hillsborough County is considering making mask-wearing mandatory in public places.

In the U.S., numerous states, including New York, and localities have started issuing orders for face coverings to be mandatory. Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Osceola counties all have measures in place requiring people to keep their nose and mouth covered when out-and-about running errands or riding public transit.

Even with a mask, the CDC stresses that everyone still needs to practice social distancing, staying six feet apart in public and to continue washing hands frequently.

Purchasing a mask may be a task in itself since it is completely sold out in most stores. Officials advise against ordering them online in order to leave them for medical professionals in the front line of the pandemic. Instead, they ask that people make their own at home.

The CDC website, the U.S. Surgeon General, and others have tutorials to show the public how to make a face covering with items you already have at home, like a scarf, a bandana, or even a regular T-shirt.

The EPG will meet at 1:30 p.m.

If you feel sick:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website

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