Florida is not anymore the happiest place on earth. Faces that were once smiling look grim and depressing. Coronavirus is to be blamed. COVID-19 has forced millions of travelers across the world to stay indoors. If you are planning a Florida vacation, think again!
Fondly called the Sunshine State, Florida allures not just families, but solo travelers, couples, nature lovers, and college kids who desire to roam sun-kissed beaches, secluded Keys, meeting Cinderella in Disney World’s Princess Fairytale Hall, and enjoy an electrifying night in Miami.
This year, expect the unexpected. The theme parks, beaches, music venues, nightclubs, and seaside restaurants are empty. Students are cautioned to stay away from campus and study on the Internet. This is happening due to Coronavirus.
About six weeks ago, Jennifer, a junior and her three friends at Duke University were excited about spring break in Miami Beach. Little did they know that the coronavirus could smash their excitement, which was nowhere in the scene. Like her, tens of thousands of students are contemplating the spring break.
Earlier, the city manager of Miami Beach, Jimmy Morales said, “We have been an economy based on hospitality and tourism.” He also added, “We had been trying to strike a balance being preventive and not hurting our businesses. The last 24-plus hours changed all that. Our focus now is preventing this from getting worse at all costs. I am sure the kids will still come, but they won’t be coming to a ‘party city.’”
Mr. Jimmy tried everything to restrict the virus from spreading. He canceled many events and ordered the nightclubs to shut down. This was a big step. He further quipped that the government would take action depending on the situation. If it worsened, curfews would be imposed.
Background Story
The novel coronavirus has ripped off the world apart. Not only Florida and America but countries far and wide have been taking adequate precautions to fight against COVID-19, which was originated from the city of Wuhan, China. Till now, more than 175,000 people across the world have been affected by the virus. WHO (World Health Organization) has urged people to avoid traveling as much as possible (unless very important) to thwart the possibility of spreading the virus.
Every year, about 40 million travelers make Florida their home. This helps the tourism and hospital industry generate over $40 billion annually. Things have changed, taken a ‘U’ turn since Coronavirus has hit the nation. There’s a sharp decline in the numbers. As per sources, the situation would deteriorate in the next 4-5 weeks. Sean Snaith, who is the director of the Institute for Economic Forecasting at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, said, "There certainly is some short-term pain for the tourism industry”. He further added, "Unless there's an institutional-type ban, they're least likely to cancel, given what we know about ages. And young people are generally kind of reckless anyway."
At present, officials are keeping a close look at its people and are monitoring the disease with financial impacts and public health in mind.
As per the official website of Florida Health, the total confirmed cases have reached 142.
|
Coronavirus/ COVID-19 Characteritsics |
Confirmed Cases |
|
Characteristic of Florida Residents |
|
|
Confirmed by DOH |
16 |
|
Cases in Non-Florida Residents |
18 |
|
Deaths |
5 |
|
FL resident diagnosed and isolated out of state |
6 |
|
Tested by private labs |
2 |
|
Confirmed cases in Florida Residents |
142 |
|
Tested by private labs |
43 |
|
Confirmed DOH |
99 |
|
Total Cases Overview |
160 |
|
Under Investigation |
32 |
|
Traveled |
45 |
|
Contact with confirmed case |
32 |
|
Travel & Contact with Confirmed Case |
51 |
Spring Break Florida 2020 Cancelled
With five deaths, Florida is ramping up its response to protect citizens. The Miami Beach Commissioner Mark Samulian said, “Continuing to allow these large group gatherings on the beach is a public health hazard. These measures are vital.”
Fort Lauderdale also implemented extra measures including shutting down restaurants and bars and banning gatherings of 250 people or more from 10 pm to 6 am until 10th April. It further limited restaurants and bars to 50% occupancy while closing shuttering recreational facilities and miles of beaches. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said, "I want to be clear that this is not an overreaction, but a way for us to help stop further cases of Covid-19 in our community". He stated, “Our measures are intended to send a clear message that spring break is canceled and that everyone, even young people home from school, need to embrace these health and safety concerns.”
Should You Still Travel to Florida?
The straight answer should be “NO”. The next 3-4 weeks are crucial. The authorities have persuaded people not to travel at this critical juncture. If you have already made your plans, you are advised to cancel it. Some airlines have also started canceling flights to Florida. Let’s wait and watch and pray for the betterment!
Contact your Florida vacation rental by owner about rescheduling your travel dates when situation permits!
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