This morning, Hillsborough County Administrator Mike Merrill announced that all public and private events must be limited to no more than 50 people or less in an effort to curb the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement includes all events, including spring break parties, as well as gatherings at churches.
"This particular disaster really does require more personal responsibility," said Merrill, "and that especially goes to businesses to be sure that they can provide whenever possible the opportunity for workers to work from home to conduct meetings by phone whenever we can, that's what we're doing at the County."
Today’s announcement from Hillsborough County comes after a similar order was made late Monday night, announcing that all restaurants, bars and private clubs must reduce capacity by 50%, and close by 10 p.m. starting Tuesday, March 17.
Yesterday, St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman also banned all events of 50 people or more, and instituted a 9 p.m. “last call” for alcohol sales. Mayor Kriseman also asked local businesses to reduce occupancy by 50%.
This is a developing story, and we'll update it when more information is available.
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