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MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida doctors are issuing a warning to the public ahead of Labor Day weekend to continue adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines, as data suggests more Americans are expected to travel for the holiday since the pandemic’s start.
Dr. Yvonne Johnson, South Miami Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, expressed concern over what may happen during the holiday weekend.
“Labor Day is one of those holidays where we all like to get together,” she said. “We got a little carried away with ourselves over the Memorial Day holiday and maybe a little bit for Fourth of July.”
There were 879 COVID-19 cases reported statewide on Memorial Day, May 25, but two weeks later on June 13, the reported number of cases jumped to nearly 2,600. On the Fourth of July, the health department logged over 11,000 COVID-19 cases, and eight days after the holiday, there were more than 15,000 confirmed cases.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts there will be 211,000 deaths from the coronavirus in the U.S. by Sept. 26.
“We saw a tremendous spike in cases because any time we get together, we give the virus the opportunity to transmit from one person to another,” Johnson said.
The prediction comes as the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, and according to the Transportation Security Administration, Friday will be the busiest travel day nationwide since the pandemic began. They said an estimated 900,000 people across the U.S. will be traveling.
Alina Ivanytska is from New York, and she is fully aware of the concerns from health officials during the holiday weekend.
“It was, like, a fully booked plane, packed,” Ivanytska said.
“It’s definitely a concern,” tourist Norbert Jurkiewitz said. “I think it’s been a concern for the past half year, and it should continue to be a concern. I think if people do their part and wear the masks and keep their distance and try to give each other space, we can try to enjoy the last holiday weekend before the summer closes out.”
Amid a pandemic, nightlife in Miami Beach’s entertainment district continues. Residents and tourists alike could be seen enjoying a meal indoors, after the county allowed dining inside restaurants on Monday.
“We’ve been cooped up back in California for a couple months now, so this is kind of an escape for us,” a tourist said.
Miami Beach, meanwhile, is preparing for more people to visit the city over the weekend.
Mayor Dan Gelber said the city’s residents know they have to where a mask whenever out in public, but 7News cameras captured multiple people without a mask Thursday night and Friday afternoon.
“People have to follow this very simple rule,” Gelber said. “At the end of the day, we’re trying to police visitors. We’re trying to be polite, but we’re giving them tickets.”
Miami Beach Police spokesperson Ernesto Rodriguez tweeted out a photo that promised more officers on the road, sand and waterways.
“As long as we stay safe, distance 6 feet apart, should be safe,” another tourist said.
“I think we’ll be OK, as long as people are taking that precaution,” one jogger in the area said.
During the Fourth of July weekend, the city’s beaches were closed, but they will not be closing for the upcoming holiday weekend. According to travel tracking data, flights to the Sunshine State have increased.
“We’re getting ready for a busy Labor Day weekend,” said Rodriguez. “We have an increased police presence, not only on our roadways, but on the sand, as well as our waterways. This city has issued over 800 mask violations to those who aren’t wearing the masks. As you can imagine, it’s an ongoing battle. Our number one goal though is compliance.”
Doctors are prescribing the public to continue social distancing, wearing masks and being cautious.
“We are still in the middle of a pandemic, so we really can’t afford to let our guards down again,” Johnson said.
“We must all continue to be cautious, vigilant and very careful,” Dr. Stanley Marks, Memorial Healthcare System’s Medical Director, said.
Miami Beach’s curfew, which begins at 10 p.m., will remain in place throughout the holiday weekend.
“I understand people want to get out of their home states if they’ve been on lockdown or whatever,” Miami Beach resident Adam Preda said, “but at the same time, people that are from here, we don’t want to see another spike and be on curfew for another couple months or not have these indoor restaurants close down again.”
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