Health & Fitness
Hillsborough County Coronavirus Update: What You Need To Know
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County announced Tuesday that an 81-year-old man has died, bringing the toll to 22 deaths.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — One more Hillsborough County resident who tested positive for the coronavirus has died.
The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County announced Tuesday that an 81-year-old man has died. This brings the number of deaths in Hillsborough County to 22.
Those who have died in Hillsborough County include a:
- 69-year-old male
- 71-year-old female
- 92-year-old female
- 68-year-old female
- 86-year-old female
- 77-year-old male
- 55-year-old male
- 78-year-old male
- 74-year-old male
- 62-year-old male
- 74-year-old male
- 73-year-old male
- 63-year-old male
- 93-year-old female
- 64-year-old female
- 66-year-old male
- 35-year-old female
- 73-year-old male
- 57-year-old male
- 92-year-old female
- 94-year-old female
- 81-year-old male
As of Tuesday, Hillsborough County has had 1,080 cases of the coronavirus with 165 people hospitalized. The ages of those who tested positive range from infant to 100. Of those cases, 511 are male and 521 are female.
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Coronavirus Testing Extended
Hillsborough County is expanding its point-in-time testing for coronavirus to get a clearer picture of how many residents may currently have the virus.
Hillsborough County Emergency Management Director Tim Dudley made the announcement to members of the Emergency Policy Group during its semiweekly meeting Monday.
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Previously, prescreening was required for those wishing to be tested at one of the four public testing sites, and callers were asked if they were exhibiting specific symptoms. With the expansion of the testing, residents who feel unwell or are generally concerned about the virus can request an appointment.
Drive-thru testing is being offered at Raymond James Stadium and three Community Resource Centers in east Tampa, Plant City, and SouthShore.
- Lee Davis Community Resource Center, 3402 N. 22nd St., Tampa
- Plant City Community Resource Center, 307 N. Michigan Ave., Plant City
- SouthShore Community Resource Center, 201 14th Ave. SE, Ruskin
Those wishing to schedule an appointment for a free coronavirus test can call 813-272-5900 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The call center will provide a confirmation number for the testing and further instructions.
Neither insurance nor a doctor’s note is required for the test. Those being tested should bring a photo ID with name and date of birth.
Public health officials who are advising the EPG have recommended additional testing as crucial to making decisions about reopening the county, protecting vulnerable populations and avoiding a second wave of cases.
The next EPG meeting is scheduled Thursday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m.
Minority Certification
The county’s first virtual Minority Certification with Hillsborough County workshop is scheduled for Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. Attendees can learn about eligibility requirements, documentation and the process for submitting an application for certification with Hillsborough County.
Interested businesses can register in advance at HCFLGov.net/MWSBE, under the Upcoming Events section.
State Of Emergency Extended
As part of continued mitigation efforts in response to the coronavirus and in anticipation of upcoming announcements from the state of Florida regarding plans for a gradual reopening of the state, Hillsborough County government will be extending all existing closures through Friday, May 15.
This extension allows the county sufficient time to ensure its operations and services align to any executive orders issued by the governor.
The closures impact facilities and service locations across the county. For details and up-to-date information regarding cancellations and closures, click here.
Until further notice, all Board of County Commissioners meetings, including public hearings and workshops, as well as Emergency Policy Group meetings, will be conducted “virtually” via telephone and video communications technology.
Residents have the ability to view and participate “virtually” in all BOCC meetings. Instructions on how to provide public comment “virtually” are available on the website. All other meetings remain cancelled until May 15; exceptions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
This closure and cancellation extension, directed by County Administrator Mike Merrill, impacts only those departments under the county administrator and does not extend to other agencies.
Agencies and offices, such as the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Environmental Planning Commission, Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission, Clerk of the Circuit Court, 13th Judicial Circuit Court, Tax Collector, Property Appraiser and city governments will determine how and when to proceed with meetings for their organizations.
Residents who are able to conduct business transactions online or over the phone are encouraged to continue to do so.
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Summer Camp Registration Extended
Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has extended summer camp registration for current after-school program participants until Thursday, May 14.
Public online registration will begin on Friday, May 15.
Head Starts Closed Through May 29
Head Start and Early Head Start centers are closed until at least Friday, May 29. This is in step with closing decisions made by Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Remote Tax Assistance
The Hillsborough County Extension Service is offering free tax preparation assistance for county residents who can connect via web meeting through July 15.
During the web meeting, tax filers will be given access to tax filing software, and will receive one-on-one assistance from IRS-trained and certified volunteers.
Appointments for the free service are required and may be made for the following times: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-2:30p.m.
Contact Denise Kantak, 813-744-5519, ext. 54141 or Kantakd@HCFLGov.net.
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