The Florida Department of Health (DOH) reported a one-day record of 3,822 new positive COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths, bringing the state total to 89,748 cases and 3104 deaths.
In Hillsborough County, health officials report nearly 5,000 total cases., which include 564 hospitalizations (11% of all cases) and 109 deaths (2% of all cases).
The spike in cases prompted Tampa Mayor Jane Castor an executive order mandating the use of face coverings for all individuals in the City of Tampa while indoors and unable to maintain 6ft of distance. This went into effect Friday at 5 pm.
“The data is unquestionable: if we wear masks, we can stop the spread of this virus—that’s the bottom line,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Our community is looking for leadership which is why we are putting this mandatory mask ordinance in effect to protect our citizens. If we wait, more people will get sick and more lives will be lost. This is an emergency and we have to act now.”
Free face covering pick-up will be available at the following locations starting Saturday from 8 AM — 5 PM until further notice.
- Himes Ave. Complex – 4501 S. Himes Ave
- MacFarlane Park – 1700 N. MacDill Ave.
- Al Barnes Park – 2902 N. 32nd St.
In related news, the Tampa Bay Lightning have temporarily closed their training facilities after several players tested positive for coronavirus (see tweet below).
