TAMPA, Fla — Hillsborough County commissioners met Monday to discuss the latest on the increase in COVID cases across the Tampa Bay area.
The health department reported a jump in nearly every age group, including school-aged kids. Of most concern now is college students heading home from campus.
“We have many, many students coming home for Thanksgiving,” said Commissioner Kimberly Overman. "The highest percentage positive is in the ages from 20 to 30 age range, or in our college ages.”
Dr. Doug Holt of the Hillsborough County Health Department told commissioners if college-aged students decide to return home from campus, they should take precautions not to infect their family.
“Appropriate measures would include the testing of students who are leaving before they come home and on arrival to continue keeping their distance wearing masks,” said Holt, who also suggests holiday celebrations this year be limited to immediate family only.
“Ideally keep gatherings less than 10 and an indoor setting,” Holt said.
The health department says a big percentage of the infections are coming from at home exposures when a relative who gets sick, then infects others in the family. And even though it sounds like there is good news about a vaccine on the way, experts say now is not the time to let your guard down.
- Florida COVID-19 cases reach highest single-day increase since mid-July
- Liftoff! NASA, SpaceX successfully launch Crew 1 mission from Florida
- Brothers arrested in connection to body found in Polk County orange grove
- Thousands of invasive pythons removed from Florida Everglades
- Gunman wanted after mother of 2 gets shot in St. Pete, police say
- Hurricane Iota, 2020's first Category 5 hurricane, maintains 160 mph winds before landfall tonight
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter