Masks Are Back: Hillsborough Records 26 Percent COVID-19 Rate

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — With the number of COVID-19 cases in Hillsborough County on the rise again, county officials are revising guidelines to reduce transmission risks including requiring face masks at all county facilities, regardless of vaccination status.

According to the Florida Department of Health, as of Dec. 30, Hillsborough County had a positivity rate of 26 percent, the highest recorded since the pandemic was first declared.

From Dec. 24 to 30, 15,027 people tested positive for the coronavirus in Hillsborough County. This does not include those who tested positive using home tests and did not report the results to the DOH.

Pinellas County has a 19.5 percent positivity rate and Pasco County a 20.8 percent positivity rate.

This requirement applies both to county employees and visitors when indoors at county facilities such as libraries, recreation centers and the Frederick B. Karl County Center. Those participating in outdoor activities on county property are advised to follow the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

Click here to read the full administrative directive.

This revised rule will affect in-person public comments at the county commission beginning Jan. 12. To learn more about signing up to participate in a public meeting, visit HCFLGov.net/speakup.