Masks To Be Required While Inside A Hillsborough County Facility: County

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Residents and visitors at any Hillsborough County building will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status beginning Wednesday, a county news release said.

Hillsborough County, along with other regions in Tampa Bay, has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in the past couple weeks following the omicron coronavirus variant dominating the delta variant, according to the Florida Department of Health.

"This requirement applies both to county employees and visitors when indoors at county facilities such as libraries, recreation centers, and Frederick B. Karl County Center," the county said.

Officials have adjusted guidelines in accordance with their administrative directive to reduce transmission risk.

"This administrative directive (AD) establishes the process and methods by which department directors, agencies, non-profits, and retail entities occupying or using board of county commissioners (BOCC) owned or leased facilities will implement entry and safety
protocols intended to reduce the risk of the transmission of COVID-19 virus for all persons who enter county properties and buildings (referred to as facilities)," according to the administrative directive.

Those participating in outdoor activities on county property are advised to follow the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, the county said.

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