HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — As the number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases continues to climb, Hillsborough County is increasing its efforts to work with local businesses to help them comply with the County’s face coverings ordinance.
Hillsborough County Code Enforcement has been responding to individual complaints about businesses and will continue to do so. In addition, beginning today all of the department’s approximately three dozen code enforcement officers will begin visiting businesses each weekday to educate owners and management about their responsibilities under the face coverings ordinance and ways they can keep employees and patrons safe.
Code Enforcement officers will observe compliance, provide educational materials in English and Spanish, and post signage or distribute masks if needed. The pro-active measures are designed to help stop community transmission of COVID-19 coronavirus by emphasizing the importance of wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
The County’s ordinance requires the following of local business owners:
- Post signage on all public entrances indicating face coverings must be worn inside unless an exemption if applicable.
- Require all employees to wear a face-covering unless an exemption is applicable.
- Ask patrons not wearing face coverings to do so.
- Make regular reminder announcements to patrons and employees that face coverings must be worn (if the business is equipped with a public announcement system)
