TAMPA, FLA. -- Anyone visiting Tampa's popular outdoor destinations for the Super Bowl will be required to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor signed an executive order Wednesday saying masks must be worn outside while downtown, in neighbourhoods around Raymond James Stadium -- where the Super Bowl will be held -- and in other tourist hotspots.
The order says those who are not wearing a mask can be cited with a "nominal civil infraction" that carries a penalty up to a $500 fine. It will remain in place until Feb. 13 -- nearly a week after the Super Bowl ends.
There are a few exceptions, including children under 5.
"We are incredibly excited to host a fun and safe Super Bowl here in Tampa -- but we need everyone to do their part. We want fans to feel confident knowing that when they come out to celebrate Super Bowl LV, they can do so safely in a city that takes this pandemic seriously," Castor said in a statement Thursday morning.
The NFL is allowing 22,000 visitors to be inside Raymond James Stadium for the game and all will be required to wear masks. It normally has a capacity of 75,000 fans.
There will be official game events around the city, including The Super Bowl Experience, which features live music, food, beverages and football-themed activities. That will be held at multiple parks along the 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometre) Tampa Riverwalk and it is one of the places where masks are required even outdoors.
