MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Spring breakers in Miami Beach continue to pack bars and restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic and a rising count of variants.
Ocean Drive could be seen filled with pedestrians enjoying the city’s nightlife, weather and beaches, but some of them are not following the city’s COVID-19 guidelines. Masks are a rare sight along the street, and social distancing is not being followed.
“There’s a lot more spring breakers,” Deondre Moore, who is visiting from Texas, said. “There’s a lot more traffic. There’s a lot more people out. There’s a lot more skin out, and so it just seems like a good time this year.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida has the highest case count of COVID-19 variants in the U.S.
“When I see folks not wearing masks, it doesn’t concern me because I know I have mine on,” Moore said. “I think, as long as I protect myself, I’m protecting those around me, as well.”
Dr. Aileen Marty, an infectious disease expert at Florida International University, said people can enjoy spring break, but they need to avoid high-risk situations.
“Obviously, if you’re swimming in the ocean, your risk is extremely low,” Marty said. “If you’re in a crowded space indoors, that’s poorly ventilated, with a lot of people who are not in your bubble, then your risk becomes quite high. We have to continue with the measures that exist to protect ourselves from any infection, so that means the distance, the cleaning, the masks.”
Health experts said people who have recovered from COVID-19 are susceptible to the new variants. They said people can continue to practice social distancing, wear masks and wash their hands.
“People who were previously infected may not have a strong enough protection from these new variants,” Marty said.
Meanwhile, Miami Beach Police has stepped up their police presence. In one incident Thursday night, multiple people were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.
For weeks, the city’s leaders have called on the public to follow health guidelines. They have also taken measures, such as limiting alcohol on the beach.
Goodwill ambassadors have been stationed along Ocean Drive to hand out facial coverings to those who need one.
Curfew remains in effect for Miami-Dade County during spring break. It runs from midnight to 6 a.m.
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