The images show crowded bars and streets in Ybor City for New Year’s Eve
Evan Axelbank reports
TAMPA, Fla. – Ybor City was packed as usual on New Year’s Eve. And that is the problem.
“People want to go out and we have all been in the house for a long time, so they are just doing their thing.”
Dr. Jason Wilson, University of South Florida tweeted, “Unfortunately, the lack of consistent / persistent federal and state public health recommendations caused this photo to be taken by the Tampa Bay Times. Preparing for a busy period in a few weeks.
“One week after Christmas and New Year, we will see an increase in cases, this is how it works,” said Dr. Michael Teng of USF Health.
The city of Tampa requires masks to be used indoors when customers are unable to distance themselves socially, and for business owners to ask customers not to use them.
The TPD issued a statement saying, “Before New Year’s Eve, the Tampa Police Department worked in partnership with the application of the Tampa city code to educate business owners about the facial coverage requirements set by the city to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
“We are pleased that the majority of our residents and businesses take active roles to help slow the spread of COVID-19. We are also aware of the video, taken when entertainment establishments were beginning to close, showing individuals on the street without masks while were preparing to return home. We encourage these individuals to review the CDC guidelines and to keep up to date on COVID-19 information so that they can also help delay dissemination.
“As we enter the new year, the Tampa Police will continue to help enforce the Tampa Code to address this continuing public health safety concern.”
The application of the code was not sent on Thursday night, but the city of Tampa said it would be Friday and Saturday.
They can issue fines.
“There are more people than I ever thought would come here during this crisis,” said Viktor Schnur, from Tampa. “This is incredible. Many people are not wearing their masks either. Some are. This is not a good thing, for sure.”
In early December, the city said that if bar owners continue to fail to comply with mask orders, stricter enforcement may be imposed, such as capacity limits or even a curfew.
“Some people just don’t understand. When we get here, we try to get there early, avoiding the crowds,” said John Adams, a Tampa resident. “Many people are tired of this. But you can’t give up.”
Several bar owners we spoke to said they were not interested in commenting on the crowds. One said that they do their best to allow only the same number of people as there are places inside.
