DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Doctors say they’d like to keep spring break fun from turning into a COVID-19 super-spreader event.
Beaches were packed Friday with little social distancing, and the rest of the weekend is expected to be even busier.
Hundreds of people packed the streets of Daytona Beach, and many more filled the bars, beach, and boardwalk.
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The revelers say what they’re experiencing feels like a return to normal.
“It’s good to see...It’s good to see that people are getting out.”
Coming to the beach this weekend? We are expecting hazardous rip current conditions! Make sure you swim in front of a...
Posted by Volusia County Beaches on Friday, March 12, 2021
Pandemic or not, Spring Break is officially underway, but Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Aftab Khan warns it carries the potential for another spike in COVID-19 cases.
“These parties are happening at a crucial moment in the fight against coronavirus,” Dr. Khan explains. “We’re not at the finish line yet. Let’s not fumble when we are so close to victory!”
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On the other hand, some see a busy spring break as a much-needed jolt to the local economy.
Kinzey Hicks works at Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop. She says business is doing much better than it has been recently.
“It’s picking up...It’s the 80th anniversary of Bike Week, so that has brought in a lot of business along with spring break,” Hicks says.
The coronavirus pandemic struck this time last March, and tourism in the area took a hit, but now, they’re looking forward to Summer.
Residents and visitors are reminded to #WashUp, #MaskUp and #BackUp during Bike Week. Traffic is restricted to motorcycles only on Main Street and curbside parking is limited to allow for physical distancing. For more info, visit https://t.co/eoOSqAnOjk. #CityDaytonaBeach pic.twitter.com/hLynU8dxJu
— CityDaytonaBeach (@CityDaytona) March 11, 2021
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“There were a lot of nerves,” Hicks says. “It’s a small business. Are we going to continue making it? Things are definitely going up from here, so we can only pray and hope that it continues to go that way.”
Physicians like Dr. Khan are also looking forward to Summer, but for a different reason.
“By the end of May, most American adults will be vaccinated,” Dr. Khan says. “Let’s sacrifice for six to eight weeks and have a beautiful summer. That’s all I want.”
Cox Media Group
