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Hillsborough moves forward with plan to protect people wearing masks

Most county commissioners supported pushing forward an ordinance that would further protect people's rights to cover their faces.

TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County’s Emergency Policy Group met Thursday afternoon to talk about the area’s latest COVID 19 numbers. Earlier in the day, the full Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners had spoken about the region’s face-mask mandate as well.

Commissioners voted 6 to 1 Thursday in favor of holding public comment on a proposed ordinance that would protect the public’s right to wear a face mask during indoor and outdoor activities -- without fear of retribution.

It's the first step toward passing the ordinance itself. The public will get a chance to voice their perspectives at the next meeting on July 15.

On the coronavirus cases front, public health workers shared the latest numbers with Hillsborough‘s EPG, showing a surge in cases and growing concern as the rate of infections continues to rise.

There’s been a 200-percent increase in cases among those between ages 15 and 24. Hospitalizations are up to 26-percent. There have been 18 deaths reported in the past seven days including six reported Thursday. Capacity in the county’s hospital ICU’s is down to 20-percent.

“Things are moving fast and quickly,” Health Director Dr. Doug Holt said. “That will give us the best measure, the best idea of how widespread and intense the covert fire that we have burning.”

Holt described face coverings as our best chance to address that fire.

Board members have been getting an earful from the public since passing a mask mandate forcing business owners to require people to wear masks inside their public shops.earlier in the week.

The order went into effect Wednesday at 5 p.m.

“The order that was created on Monday should be placed on hold until the EPG has consulted with other medical professionals,” suggested Jason Kimble.

But others thanked the board.

“Since face coverings help, let’s keep doing it until we have our cases down to at least something manageable,” Lauren Hansel said.

Hillsborough’s Board of County Commissioners' earlier conversation on masks wasn’t based on a concern for people who don’t want to wear a face covering. Instead, it was for those who do - but are being told by local businesses or even their employers that they can’t.

The ordinance would prohibit businesses or employers from forcing people to remove their protective masks and create a schedule of warnings and fines for those who violate the order.

The first violation would be a verbal warning. The second violation would be a $125 fine. The third violation? $250. Fourth and succeeding violations will carry a $500 fine and a notice to appear in front of a judge. 

“Unfortunately, we live in a society where bully behavior is prevalent,” Commissioner Kimberly Overman said. “And the last place it should rewrite ugly head is during a public health emergency.”

As Hillsborough County‘s COVID-19 cases continue to rise, so does the demand for testing.

The county announced it would be partnering with the state at the Raymond James Stadium testing site starting next Tuesday, and plan to increase testing capacity to five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The plan is to administer up to 1000 tests per day.

RELATED: Florida lawmakers urge Gov. DeSantis to issue a statewide mask order

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