Texas and California asked spring break travelers to reconsider their plans amid fears of COVID-19 cases, after photos and videos of college students crowding Florida’s beaches flooded social media.
Popular spring break destinations in Florida have seen college students cradling the beaches in bikinis, but with no masks in sight. The surge in out-of-state visitors has forced a popular Fort Lauderdale destination to ban all visitors under the age of 23.
“During spring break, #WharfFTL will be over 23 years old for all guests with an out-of-state identity,” the ad said.
Other popular spring break locations, including Los Angeles, California and Galveston Island, Texas, have been preparing for a possible increase in visitors in the coming weeks.
The concern remains high, as multiple variants of the coronavirus across the country increase the likelihood of an increase in cases in any state.
LA County officials highlighted travel warnings – still in effect – that require visitors to be quarantined for 10 days after arrival, the LA Times reported.
“Please postpone the trip and continue to do your part to slow the spread so that our recovery journey is not neglected,” said LA County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer in a statement.
LAX has already begun to see a “noticeable increase” in the number of travelers with the start of spring break, CBS LA reported.
Meanwhile, Texas companies are anticipating large crowds now that Governor Greg Abbott has declared a return to normal after lifting all restrictions.
Store owners on Galveston Island believe it will be important to keep some COVID-19 measures in place, ABC 13 reported.
“It’s practically a normal business, except for the cleanliness, the guidelines and the use of the mask,” said Roberts. “And, if we see that the store, especially on the weekend, is starting to look at capacity, we have these numbers in our head, so let’s stop at the door and say that you have to wait until other people leave. “
Galveston had about 300,000 visitors in previous years, which will mean a significant boost for companies after a year of blockages.
“We are researching all of our industry partners now to get a better idea of what they are going to ask visitors to do. But, I think the best way is to bring your mask with you, ”said Woody. “We want you to make the most of the island, and there are still a number of places that really encourage that.”
Corpus Christi police issued warnings that focus on more traditional spring break concerns than on COVID’s safety: drunk driving, traffic jams, garbage on the beach and fire hazards.
“We want everyone to have fun on the beach during spring break, but we also want to make sure they are safe,” said Captain Trenade Paddock Roberts.