2:20 p.m. update: After much debate - Hillsborough County's Emergency Policy Group has voted unanimously 8-0 to issue a countywide Safer at Home order. It would go into effect Friday night at 10 p.m. 

The languag in the directive removes the word "curfew."

Plant City's mayor asked about what this would mean for hotels. The Hillsborough County attorney says there are exceptions that will allow hotels to still operate.

Under Hillsborough's proposal - places like hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and tattoo parlors would have to close because they can't operate within the social distancing guidelines- staying six foot away from other employees or customers.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Emergency Policy Board of Hillsborough County is set to vote today at 1:30 p.m. on a "Safer at Home" directive and a curfew to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

  • Hillsborough County to Vote on "Safer at Home" directive
  • Move will allow freedom of movement but enact 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew
  • CORONAVIRUS LIVE UPDATES:  In the Tampa Bay area

According to the EPG, the orders will still allow residents freedom of movement, however will have enforcement teeth should anyone blatantly be in violation.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said "you will still be able to move about as long as you are staying 6 feet away from individuals."

Under the Safer at Home directive, residents will still be able to travel from home for essential reasons. Those include a job you can't do from home, essential food and supplies at local stores and restaurants, trips to the doctor and gas stations as well as for recreation and exercise.

 Also in the order, a curfew will be implemented both during the week and throughout the weekends.  The weekday curfew would be in effect from 10pm until 5am, and on weekends from 10 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday.

The same rules would apply to the curfew regarding essential trips from home. However, if there is widespread abuse of the curfew, County Administrator Mike Merrill says it will be enforced.

"The curfew adds that extra component to it.  In the eventuality it needs to be enforced, we can enforce it.  But initially it will be education.  It will be forbearance."

If the EPG approves the Safer at Home directive and curfew, it would go into effect Friday at 10 p.m.  No timeline has been set when either would be lifted, but they are expected to stay in place until the local state of emergency is lifted due to COVID-19.