Influenza seldom gets the sort of attention that the recent coronavirus has. With the outbreak of corona in the Wuhan city in China, people around the world are scared. Many countries have already stopped receiving and sending people to China. Besides, the number of confirmed cases is increasing at a faster rate. According to NY Times, “Coronavirus Cases in the United States Reach 34, and More Are Expected”. At this critical juncture, is it safe to travel to Florida?
Yes, the number is expected to increase in the future. This has certainly put a “scary-worry look” on everyone’s face. With Florida’s vulnerable elderly population and the massive influx of foreign visitors, the state’s role to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be challenging. But, the only good news is – as per the health officials of the state – there are “no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida”.
A professor and infectious disease physician at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital, John Sinnott told Florida Senate Committee on Health Policy, “Florida should be prepared to use our federal emergency response centers for masks, ventilators and things like that should it come to America, and that would fall on your committee to get that ball rolling.”
Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees told Senate Committee on Health Policy, “According to the CDC [Centers for Disease Control & Prevention] the risk of an outbreak in the U.S. is viewed low, but we need to prepare for additional cases and the possibility of a foothold somewhere in the U.S”.
The role of the Sunshine State of Florida in the race to help prevent the disease from turning into an outbreak in the country is pretty much visible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cleared that it is closely working with the local and state health departments to prepare for a possible pandemic. It has collaborated with hospitals, distributors, manufacturers, pharmacies, and supply chain partners to understand the medical supplies in case there is a surge.
Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Dr. Nancy Messonnier said, “We are not seeing community spread in the U.S. yet, but it’s possible, even likely, that it may eventually happen. Our goal continues to be slowing the introduction of the virus into the U.S. This buys us more time to prepare our communities for more cases and possibly sustained spread."
Though corona is proved to be a global threat, Florida is quite safe to travel. Just make sure you are not traveling from a country where the COVID-19 confirmed cases are more. Book your stay in advance and enjoy your Florida vacation with family.
This time of the year experiences pleasant weather and a fine climate. Travel as much as you can. In case you feel sick, consult a physician immediately.
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