Should you go on spring break? Absolutely not.
Hello from my parents' house where I am writing this article in an effort to "flatten the curve" and social distance myself from others. The deadly coronavirus is still spreading fast, and we all need to do our part to free up valuable medical resources for those who need them the most.
This adjustment, of course, hasn't been easy for so many of us. Life as we knew it just a few days ago seems like a relic from an ancient past, and we're all adjusting to relative solitude as our new normal.
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It seems like the entire world is in a constant state of anxiety: People are losing their livelihoods, airlines are on the verge of bankruptcy and entire countries are on lockdown.
And yet, it's come to our attention that many of you — against the advice of health experts, government officials and, hopefully, even your friends and family — are considering going on spring break.
We cannot stress this enough: You should not go on spring break. Should not!
Let us explain.
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You should only travel if it's urgent and essential
We support the travel industry, but now is not the time for nonessential trips.
Instead of traveling right now, we suggest you use this time to plan your next vacation. You don't have to book yet, but figure out where you want to go and map out the right strategy for building up the points and miles you need to take those trips.
TPG can guide travelers through this process. We'll share the news when it's time to start booking, but at least for the short term, let's all do as much as we can to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. That includes hitting pause on travel.
In fact, on March 19, the U.S. State Department issued a level 4 warning against all international travel. Officials are encouraging U.S. citizens not to go abroad and to return home if they're currently traveling.
Only you can make the very personal decision about whether or not to keep, postpone or cancel upcoming trips, but spring break is almost certainly off the table. Instead, we encourage you to get a list going of all the places you want to see when we emerge from the immediate crisis.
Young adults are still at risk of COVID-19
When reports of the novel coronavirus started to surface, it was widely believed that healthy, young adults weren't at risk of serious infection — though they could, even unknowingly, spread it to immunocompromised and elderly people. These people are at serious risk of death if infected with COVID-19.
Now, though, reports are surfacing that 40% of people hospitalized due to the virus are younger than 54 years old.
While you might think you're young, healthy and invincible, this virus will effect us all, in one way or another. You might think you're not at risk, but that's even more reason to take every precaution necessary. Protect yourself and those around you by staying home.
You shouldn't have a beach party
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis isn't closing popular Florida spring break beaches, NBC News reported, but recently signed an order limiting parties on beaches to 10 people or fewer. Local governments, however, have stepped in. The mayors of Miami and Fort Lauderdale have issued orders to close their beaches due to the severity of the situation.
So even if you want to kick back, relax and grab a spot in the sun ... well, you might be out of luck.
Sure, some beaches are still open, but this isn't the time for going out and partying with your friends.
Related: Is now a good time to plan a trip to the beach?
Restaurants have also been mandated to reduce their capacity by 50%. This follows moves by other states, such as New York and California, that have recently shut down dining in restaurants altogether. Plus, wouldn't you want to experience these destinations and all they have to offer when they're at their best? Now isn't the right time for that.
Instead, stay at home with loved ones. It will make a difference. The faster we can all get through this, the faster things can get back to normal — and that daiquiri on the beach will be even more worth it.
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