The University of Tampa in Florida announced at least five students have tested positive for coronavirus after traveling with other students on a spring break trip.
“UT has been notified that five UT students, traveling together and with other UT students during Spring Break, have tested positive for COVID-19,” the university announced over the weekend. “We sincerely wish our students, and any others who may be affected, a full and rapid recovery.”
The University of Tampa, like numerous other schools across the country, moved all of its classes online earlier this month, but resident halls are still open and some students are still in close contact.
The multiple diagnoses come as spring breakers flocking to Florida beaches have sparked a backlash, as the coronavirus pandemic spreads and people are urged to social distance and to stay at home.
A recent video released by CBS News, for example, showed a number of spring breakers in Miami, Fla., downplaying concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak and sparked viral criticism online.
“If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not going to let it stop me from partying,” one person said in the video. “I’ve been waiting, we’ve been waiting for Miami spring break for a while. About two months we’ve had this trip planned, two, three months, and we’re just out here to having a good time.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has faced criticism over the crowded Florida beaches. He closed beaches in Broward and Palm Beach counties late last week, but a Florida attorney is suing the governor to require all beaches to close.
Florida has reported more than 760 cases among its residents and 13 people have died in the state. More than 15,000 people have died worldwide, including at least 200 in the United States.