The images show old bars, streets in Ybor City for New Year’s Eve
Report Evan Axelbank
TAMPA, Fla. – Ybor City was the usual, busy self on New Year’s Eve. And that’s the problem.
“People want to go out and we’re all in forever, so they’re fair, they’re doing their thing.”
Dr. Jason Wilson at the University of South Florida tweeted“” Unfortunately, the lack of consistent / sustained recommendations on public health and federal health has led to this photo being taken by the Tampa Bay Times, preparing for a busy time within a few weeks.
“A week after Christmas and New Year we are going to get a hit in cases, that’s just the way it works.” Michael Teng of USF Health said.
The city of Tampa requires that masks be worn indoors if customers cannot distance themselves socially, and that business owners should ask customers not to wear them.
TPD issued a statement saying: ‘Tampa Police Department worked until New Year’s Eve in conjunction with the City of Tampa Code Enforcement to educate business owners about the face-to-face requirements the city has put in place to distribute COVID-19 delayed.
“We are delighted that the majority of our residents and businesses are taking active roles in helping to slow down the spread of COVID-19. We are also aware of the video taken when entertainment establishments began to close, showing that people in the street do not wear masks.While prepared to return home, we encourage these individuals to review CDC guidelines and keep abreast of COVID-19 information so that they may also help slow down the spread.
“With the start of the new year, Tampa Police will continue to help Tampa Code Enforcement address these ongoing concerns about public health safety.”
Code enforcement was not sent Thursday night, but the city of Tampa said it would be Friday and Saturday.
They can issue fines.
“There are more people than I would ever think would come here during this crisis,” said Viktor Schnur of Tampa. “It’s amazing. Many people also do not wear their masks. Some are. It’s not good, that’s for sure. ‘
In early December, the city said that if bar owners still do not enforce mask orders, stricter enforcement could be enforced, such as capacity constraints or even a curfew.
“Some people just don’t get it. When we get out here, we try early to avoid the crowds,” said Tampa resident John Adams. “A lot of people are tired of it. But you can not give up.”
Several bar owners we spoke to said they were not interested in commenting on the crowd. One said they do their best to allow only the same number of people as there are seats.
