City of Tampa, Hillsborough County prepared to prevent arrival and spread of coronavirus

TAMPA, Fla. - Officials in the Tampa Bay area and in Florida are trying to calm fears over novel coronavirus COVID-19. Governor Ron DeSantis said in a press conference Thursday, “there are still no cases of Coronavirus in Florida.”

City of Tampa and Hillsborough County officials said Thursday they are taking steps to keep coronavirus out of the area, but they are prepared to deal with it if it arrives.

Officials appearing with the governor said there are residents in the state who have traveled to China and have been tested for the disease. Those tests, the governor said, all came back negative.

Officials said they are working closely with the CDC to continue monitoring such individuals, but would not comment on how many there might be.

Those who have been tested have been asked to self-quarantine.

"We have been given periodic updates but to this stage, there have not been any transmissions documented in the state of Florida," DeSantis said.

In the meantime, officials in Hillsborough County pleaded with the public to practice prevention measures like frequent hand washing and self-quarantine if someone is sick.

A doctor told reporters, kids are less likely than adults to get sick. The CDC says data on children who have contracted COVID-19 is limited, but press reports from China suggest children confirmed to have the disease present with mild symptoms. The CDC there are certain populations of children at increased risk of severe infection, such as children with underlying health conditions.

"We will continue to diligently monitor the global and national situation until this threat has passed," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said.  

She added Tampa International Airport does not receive many direct flights from overseas.

"The majority of our flights that come into the Tampa Bay area are domestic," said Castor. "We will do everything we can to prevent, which we always do."

Their biggest fear is if there was a person-to-person transmission locally, which could disrupt public gatherings, school, and other day-to-day activities.

"Even if in the worst case scenario, it is unlikely that Hillsborough County or Florida would see a major problem for many months," said Dr. Charles Lockwood of the Morisani College of Medicine.

The mayor asked anyone who would like more information on how the city is preparing to text "Tampa Ready" to #888777. Information about coronavirus and its impact on the city and county can also be found at Tampagov.net/alertTampa and www.Hcflgov.net/staysafe.