Hillsborough poised to require everyone wear masks when conducting essential business

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said Monday that Hillsborough residents should be required to wear masks when conducting essential business starting on Thursday.

Her proposal to the county’s Emergency Policy Group appears likely to pass at its Thursday meeting. The group’s members agreed to spread the news over the next few days.

Castor said masks wouldn’t be required for walking the dog or exercising, but for going to stores or other public places.

“Common sense prevails,” she said.

Her idea was enthusiastically supported by University of South Florida public health officials, who said it could help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Castor agreed to delay a formal vote until Thursday to give residents time to make homemade masks. County officials emphasized they wanted professional-grade masks to be reserved for emergency workers.

The county’s Emergency Policy Group will take a vote at Thursday’s 1:30 p.m. meeting.

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