Spring breakers continue to flock to Miami Beach this weekend, despite warnings them and pandemic-weary travelers could cause a spike in ...
Spring breakers continue to flock to Miami Beach this weekend, despite warnings them and pandemic-weary travelers could cause a spike in COVID-19 cases, according to health experts.
As of Saturday night, more than 30.2 million people have tested positive for the virus in the US, and more than 548,800 have died since the start of the pandemic.
According to the Florida Department of Health, there are currently more than 2 million total positive cases in Florida, with more than 33,700 fatalities.
Modeling suggests that there is going to be a 'bump' in the curve for cases in the state, Dr. David Andrews explained to USA Today. Andrews is the associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and vice chair for pathology laboratories at Jackson Health System.
Modeling suggests that there is going to be a 'bump' in the curve for cases in the state due to the influx of partiers
Miami Beach Police escort people off Ocean Drive as curfew is in effect in Miami Beach, Florida, on March 27
'Everyone is concerned, and the University of Miami epidemiologists have projected a surge to emerge from that activity post-spring break,' he said. 'They're predicting a bump in the next couple of weeks.'
Health experts are aware that more of the travelers and partiers may be vaccinated but express concern that the B.1.1.7 coronavirus could quickly become the dominant variant in Florida.
Andrew added that the variant, first identified in the U.K., accounts for about 50 percent of the positive cases sampled at Jackson Health. The dominance of the variant could outspeed the pace the speed the vaccinations.
March 27, 2021:Spring breakers and revelers enjoy the bars and restaurants along Ocean Drive on Miami Beach before the Miami Beach entertainment district curfew at 8pm
People enjoy spring break festivities ahead of an 8pm curfew imposed by local authorities
Health experts are aware that more of the travelers and partiers may be vaccinated but express concern that the B.1.1.7 coronavirus could quickly become the dominant variant in Florida
A woman is escorted away from the activities as police try to enforce the curfew
An 8pm curfew was put into place in the entertainment district for Thursday through Monday, March 29
A couple dances with each other as other partiers watch during spring break activities on Miami Beach as police try to enforce curfew
People dance on Ocean Drive as curfew is in effect in Miami Beach, Florida, on March 27
'What we're seeing is an expansion of the U.K. variant in the Miami-Dade County,' he said.
If the variant spreads more, it can cause it to evolve and become more dangerous, Andrews added.
Experts are also keeping an eye out for the B.1.526 variant that has been spreading after popping up in New York in late November.
A massive crowd convenes on Ocean Drive as health experts warn that the spring breakers could cause a bump in coronavirus cases
According to the Florida Department of Health, there are currently more than 2 million total positive cases in Florida, with more than 33,700 fatalities
To stem the spread from maskless crowds in Miami, an 8pm curfew was put in effect in the entertainment district for Thursday through Monday, March 29.
Road closures lasted from 10pm until 6am, the Miami-Dade Transportation & Public Works shared on Twitter.
The MacArthur, Venetian and the Julia Tuttle Causeway were partially closed, with the agency sharing that there could be delays to Metrobus routes until March 29.
Spring breakers and revelers enjoy the bars and restaurants along Ocean Drive on Miami Beach
Women dance in the street on Ocean Drive as they enjoy the festivities on Miami Beach
Many in attendance did not appear to be wearing masks while out partying
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