Spring Break Could Be Virus Superspreader Event In Florida

FLORIDA — Health officials warn that spring break 2021 in Florida could be a superspreader event for the coronavirus.

"Any event that involves increased travel and people relaxing preventative measures is a concern," Amber D'Souza, a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told NBC News.

Florida has been gripped by the pandemic for nearly a year, and as of Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health reported 1,885,661 positive cases since the beginning of the outbreak. A total of 30,878 coronavirus-related deaths have occurred statewide, along with 78,472 hospitalizations.

Last year during spring break, Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed beaches to stay open. Thousands of college students flocked to beaches such as at Miami Beach and Clearwater Beach. Aerial footage from WFLA and photos from WTSP showed people swimming in groups in Clearwater and ignoring coronavirus safety concerns.

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge Americans to avoid travel this spring.

"First and foremost, I would really encourage people to not travel,'' new CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said at a White House briefing earlier this month, USA Today reported.

As of Tuesday, St. Pete Beach was voted the No. 1 beach in Florida by Trip Advisor, so it could possibly attract crowds of spring breakers to the Pinellas County area. However, in Miami Beach, Mayor Dan Gelber wants tourists to know there are restrictions in place.

"If you’re coming here because you think it’s an anything-goes place, please turn around or go somewhere else,” Gelber told Local 10 News.

Alcohol, coolers, inflatables and tents are prohibited at Miami Beach, the TV outlet reported. Miami Beach will have a curfew in effect from midnight until 6 a.m. daily. Electric or motorized scooters are not allowed on the barrier island from Feb. 28 to April 18, Channel 6 reported.

Health officials recommend avoiding large crowds, wearing masks and practicing social distancing for those who plan to travel during spring break.

"You want to either be masked or find a place that is distanced," D'Souza told NBC. "If you are sitting at a crowded bar with a lot of people around unmasked, that is definitely a potential source of transmission."

All beaches are currently open. Visit Florida has provided safety guidelines for spring break vacationing.