Artwork On Tampa Street Poles Encourages Use Of Masks

TAMPA, FL — As cases of coronavirus continue to surge, the city of Tampa has partnered with local advertising agency, ChappellRoberts, to launch a new “Choose Your Mask” coronavirus safety awareness campaign.

The campaign was designed in a “choose your own adventure style” with a series of graphics that juxtapose either wearing a mask, or the possibility of ending up on a ventilator.

Posters with the artwork will be displayed on street poles and storefront across the city, especially in high-traffic areas where people are often spotted not wearing masks--including areas of Ybor, South Howard Avenue and Downtown Tampa.

City of Tampa Code Enforcement began handing out the signs along with free masks Monday. The public is encouraged to take a photo next to one of these posters (wearing a mask) and share on social media by tagging the city of Tampa’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

“The risk of going out without a mask could literally be life or death, and we need folks to take that seriously,” said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. “If you have a loved one who is not practicing COVID-19 safety, it’s time to speak up and have that tough conversation. By failing to wear a mask, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you’re putting all those around you at risk too.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a spike in new cases of coronavirus and weekly hospitalization rates have climbed to an all-time high.

Castor urges the public to practice coronavirus safety: wear a mask, wash your hands, keep 6 feet from others, avoid large gatherings and nonessential travel, and get tested if you feel ill or believe you may have been exposed.

As of Thursday, the Florida Department of Health reported that Hillsborough County has had a total of 61,938 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began with 37,095 of those cases among people living in the city limits. There have been 2,358 hospitalizations and 972 deaths in Hillsborough County.

In the past seven days, 2,977 people in Hillsborough County tested positive for the coronavirus, giving the county an 8.42 percent positivity rate.

Over the weekend, the city distributed 355,000 free face coverings at four Tampa parks.

“The continued use of face coverings is critical to flattening the curve of COVID-19 in our community. It’s important that we remain vigilant in our safety precautions and practice those simple healthy habits to protect not only just ourselves, but all our loved ones and community members around us,” said Castor.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations within Tampa city limits that are in need of face coverings for staff, customers, and vulnerable members of the community are asked to submit requests online.

This is the second opportunity for city of Tampa residents to receive free face coverings. City staff distributed more than 400,000 face coverings in June.

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