Hillsborough Coronavirus Curfew Goes Into Effect Monday Night

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — To stop the ongoing gatherings of crowds during the coronavirus pandemic, a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. will go into effect throughout Hillsborough County, including the incorporated cities, starting Monday night.

At a meeting of the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group Monday, a majority of members voted to implement the curfew in response to reports that some people are disregarding the state and Hillsborough’s Safer-at-Home orders, and are participating in large social gatherings.

Going to the grocery store, pharmacy or to another essential activity is still allowed during curfew hours. Otherwise, residents must stay off the streets. Social gatherings are not considered essential.

Also, EPG members endorsed the concept of an order mandating residents wear face coverings while in public where they will interact with other people. This includes stores, while using public transit or running essential errands. EPG members asked that a draft of such an order, similar to one adopted in Osceola County, be prepared for review and implementation at its next meeting on Thursday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m.

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In addition to maintaining 6-foot social distancing, the Centers for Disease Control advises the use of face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

A medical mask is not necessary for most people. Simple cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at a low cost. For a video on how to make a simple cloth face mask, go to Hillsborough County’s Official YouTube Channel.

In other action, EPG members heard:

• A presentation from the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health about a project to model projections for the spread of the coronavirus in the Tampa Bay area. The information could be used to predict the timetable for a surge of cases, as well as when public safety measures can be adjusted or lifted. Details on how residents can participate in a community survey for the project will be available later this week.
• A plan has been completed for an alternate-care facility should one be necessary if local hospitals become overwhelmed by coronavirus patients.
• A plan for testing options for residents who do not have transportation or who are home bound are nearly completed

The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group consists of three county commissioners, the mayors from the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace, the sheriff and chairman of the School Board.

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• Florida Deaths From Coronavirus Surpass 500; 21,367 Cases
• Hillsborough Coronavirus Curfew Goes Into Effect Monday Night