Coronavirus: Hillsborough County Declares State Of Emergency

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — In conjunction with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ declaration of a State of Emergency in response to the coronavirus, the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group declared a state of local emergency in response to coronavirus.

Under the executive order, County Administrator Mike Merrill has the authority to carry out all emergency responsibilities delegated by the EPG, including taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

Highlights of the executive order include:

• The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County remains the lead advisory agency for this event.
• The county administrator is authorized to convene all major health organizations in Hillsborough County to develop and coordinate, in conjunction with the Department of Health, the management of testing related to COVID-19.
• All state and local business licensees, vendors, merchants and any other person operating a retail business in Hillsborough County is prohibited from charging more than the normal average retail price for any goods, materials or services sold.

The state of local emergency is in effect for seven days. The EPG’s next meeting is scheduled March 19 at 1:30 p.m.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group is composed of three county commissioners, the mayors from the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace, the sheriff and chairman of the school board.

Hillsborough County partially activated its Emergency Operations Center on Tuesday. A limited activation of the EOC allows the county and partner agencies to better monitor actions related to the virus and coordinate resources and operations.

See related stories:

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• Florida Governor Declares State Of Emergency Over Coronavirus
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Hillsborough County officials have been in constant contact with the Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough County since the first case was reported last week. Among the many actions the county government is taking:

• Providing county services as usual. All county offices are open for business at this time.
• Working specifically with vulnerable groups, such as clients enrolled in Aging Services programs, to answer questions and provide virus prevention information
• Preparing materials in English and Spanish for distribution to customers and clients
• Focusing cleaning and disinfecting measures on common “touchpoints” – such as door handles and elevator buttons – in county facilities
• Disinfecting the interior of fire rescue vehicles with a special machine called an Aero Clave

In addition, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue staff will deliver COVID-19 information to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The material will include symptoms of the virus, prevention tips, what to do if someone is concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19, and fire rescue screening processes and protocol.

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Hillsborough County and the Department of Health continue to remind residents and visitors to help prevent colds, flu and coronavirus by taking the following steps:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you’re sick.

The county has set up a website with the latest information on the coronavirus. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the county's alert system to get updates sent directly to them.