Free masks available in St. Pete, Tampa

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Tampa, St. Pete give away masks after requirements kick in

Justin Matthews reports

Now that masks are required to be worn in public, indoor settings in Tampa, Mayor Jane Castor is offering free face coverings to anyone who needs them, as part of the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Mayor Rick Kriseman and the city of St. Petersburg are doing the same.

Tampa's mayor issued a face mask order Thursday during a Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group meeting, which applies to anyone in the city of Tampa.

In St. Petersburg, any employee at a business that interacts with customers is required to wear a face covering.

PREVIOUS: Mask requirements go into effect for St. Pete, Tampa on Friday

Both cities are making face coverings available for free, while supplies last.

IN TAMPA: Saturday 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., face coverings may be picked up at:

No ID is required and each person may have two face coverings. Businesses may also request help with face coverings by filling out the form at https://www.tampagov.net/masks. More information about the city of Tampa's response to COVID-19 is available at tampagov.net/COVID-19.

IN ST. PETERSBURG: Masks are free to residents during each site's normal operating hours. Available while supplies last.

  • Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N.
  • Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S.
  • Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave.
  • The Morean Arts Center, 719 Central Ave.
  • PSTA stations (Grand Central Station and Williams Park)
  • The St. Pete Store & Visitors Center, 100 2nd Ave. N. #150
  • Fossil Park Fire Station, 875 64th Ave. N. (when SPFR personnel are present)
  • People Empowering & Restoring Communities, 1601 16th Street S.

More information about St. Petersburg's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is available at http://www.stpete.org/emergency/restart.php.

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What the stats say about Florida’s coronavirus spike

COVID-19 case and infection rates are soaring. The data points continue to indicate an acceleration of community transmission in Florida. It’s not just an increase in testing; states to our north have also expanded testing and their numbers are going down.

If you feel sick:

The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.

LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website

CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know

AROUND THE WORLD: CoronavirusNOW.com

Map of known COVID-19 cases:

MOBILE APP USERS: Click here for map