Hillsborough County Coronavirus Update: What To Know

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — One more Hillsborough County resident who tested positive for the coronavirus has died, bringing the number of deaths to 18, according to the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.

A 35-year-old woman died Tuesday, the youngest Hillsborough County residents to succumb to the coronavirus.

As of Wednesday, Hillsborough County reported 869 positive cases with 141 people hospitalized. ages of those who tested positive range from newborn to 100 years old.

Those who tested positive include:

• 568 in Tampa
• 61 in Riverview
• 40 in Brandon
• 26 in Ruskin
• 23 in Wimauma
• 17 in Lutz
• 16 in Valrico
• 10 in Sun City Center
• 9 in Apollo Beach
• 9 in Plant City
• 9 in Odessa
• 5 in Thonotosassa
• 5 in Seffner
• 5 in Gibsonton
• 4 in Temple Terrace
• 3 in Lithia
• 2 in Dover
• 1 in Westchase
• 1 in Tampa Palms

The DOH didn't have the locations of 10 other people who tested positive.

Visit the Florida Department of Florida website for more details.

Reporting Violations

To stop the ongoing gatherings of crowds during the coronavirus pandemic, a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. is now in effect throughout Hillsborough County, including the incorporated cities.

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 order, 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.

Under the March 27 Safer-at-Home order, which extends to the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, all residents are required to stay at home unless they are going to the grocery store, pharmacy, doctor's appointment, getting gas or other car services, enjoying recreation or getting takeout from a local restaurant.

All nonessential businesses are required to close although employees may work from home.

If residents believe a company or group is not complying with the order, they can call these numbers to register a report.

For concerns about businesses not following social distancing rules: call the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations at 850-487-1395.

For concerns about residents not adhering to social distancing regulations or heeding the curfew, call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 813-247-8200.

County To Consider Mandatory Masks

The Emergency Policy Group will discuss an order mandating residents wear face coverings while in public at its meeting Thursday, April 16 at 1:30 p.m. This includes stores, while using public transit or running essential errands.

On Monday, EPG members asked that a draft of such an order, similar to one adopted in Osceola County, be prepared for review and implementation on Thursday. The meeting will be televised on the Hillsborough County Government Facebook page.

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.

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.

Don't miss local and statewide news about coronavirus developments and precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

County Meetings Canceled

Due to ongoing concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, Hillsborough County Development Services has canceled all Land Use, Land Use Hearing Officer and Zoning Hearing Master meetings through May 18.

Meetings beyond this date have yet to be determined. For more information, visit the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Development Services and Permitting webpage.

Managing Investments In Uncertain Times

The Hillsborough County Extension Service is offering Managing Investments in Uncertain Times, an interactive online webinar, Thursday, April 16, from 10-11 a.m.

This webinar, presented by the University of Florida IFAS Extension Family and Consumer Sciences, in partnership with the Financial Planning Association of Florida, will provide answers to questions about managing investments in uncertain times, and will present unbiased information to help residents make informed financial decisions.

Registration is required.

Unemployment Applications Available

Hillsborough County has opened drive-thru services at two libraries to offer unemployment forms to those who do not have access to a printer.

Residents can go to the Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library, 3910 S. Manhattan Ave., and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., to pick up the printed forms used to apply for unemployment assistance. Once completed, residents can also drop off the forms at either drive-thru and library staff will mail the documents for them.

Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. The libraries are otherwise closed to the public, and the two library drive-thrus will be open exclusively to distribute and collect unemployment assistance applications.

Additional information on how to file for unemployment benefits and other reemployment assistance is available at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

Yard Waste Drop-Offs

In support of Hillsborough County’s Safer-at-Home Order, the county has suspended yard waste drop-offs by residential customers at the Falkenburg Road, Northwest County and South County yard waste disposal sites until further safety procedures are put in place to protect residents and employees.

Residents are not allowed to dispose of yard waste at any county facility at this time. The county is working on acceptable solutions to be in place shortly. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to use their weekly residential curbside yard waste collection.

Donation Site Now Accepting Homemade Masks

Hillsborough County is continuing to collect medical supplies for first responders and front-line health care workers.

There is an immediate need, especially for N95 masks and gowns.

The site is also now accepting donations of homemade masks to align with the recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. These masks will be distributed to non-clinical staff and patients.

Medical schools, dental clinics, elective surgery centers, private vendors, residents and others are asked to donate the following items:

• Impervious gowns
• Face shields
• Surgical masks
• N95 masks
• Tyvek suits
• Exam gloves

Beyond the new call for donations of cloth masks, all other equipment must be medical-grade personal protection equipment and new in the box or unused. All sizes are needed. Supplies can be dropped off at the former Sears Automotive shop at 250 Westshore Plaza in Tampa. The site is manned by volunteers from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

USDA Unveils Tool To Help Rural Communities

Rural communities, organizations and individuals in Hillsborough County can take advantage of a new USDA resource guide of federal programs that can help those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities.

The USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the pandemic. For more information on these actions, click here.

Programs For Uninsured Patients

Bristol-Myers Squibb has announced expanded Patient Support Programs. These programs are designed to help newly uninsured patients impacted by the coronavirus.

The national programs are for eligible, unemployed patients who have lost their health insurance due to the pandemic. The expanded programs offer access to branded Bristol Myers Squibb medicine for free, including some of its most widely prescribed products, as well as those prescribed via telehealth services.

Hillsborough County residents interested in learning more about these programs can call (800) 721-8909 or visit the company's website.

Public Works Requests

All transportation, stormwater, and infrastructure engineering services continue as normal at this time with increased personal and work site safety practices.

Residents are reminded to stay a safe distance away from all work sites, and may call 813-635-5400 with any work-related questions. Residents may continue to submit road and sidewalk requests, median maintenance and litter requests, and report flooding by visiting HCFLGov.net/AtYourService or calling 813-272-5900.

Related stories:

• 22,081 Coronavirus Cases In FL; 591 Deaths
• Hillsborough Coronavirus Curfew Goes Into Effect Monday Night