TAMPA -- The Hillsborough Emergency Policy Group voted to keep the county's mask mandate in place, for what is likely the last time.
The group, which consists of representation from the county commission, the school board, the sheriff and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, could be shut down under an ordinance that's up for a final vote during Wednesday's commission meeting.
County commissioners say they've been getting the brunt of negative reaction to lockdowns, curfews and mask mandates, even though their body didn't enact any of those rules.
Monday's vote was 5-3, with Sheriff Chad Chronister, school board chair Melissa Snively, and Plant City Mayor Rick Lott voting no.
After the vote, Lott expressed the hope that commissioners would "broaden the amount of information" it considers in future responses to COVID-19.
During Monday's meeting, the Hillsborough Emergency Policy Group got some good news about COVID-19 trends from Dr. Douglas Holt, head of the state health department in Hillsborough County. Holt said the 14-day average of cases has declined 32 percent... and the 7-day average is also showing a steep downturn.
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