Florida Coronavirus Update: Spring Breakers Express Remorse But It May Be Too Late

It all started with a viral clip where a teen, Brady Sluder, proudly exclaimed “ If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I’m not gonna let it stop me from partying.” He was one of a group of Spring breakers who all went down to Miami last week.

NBC reported that the epidemic of the virus has infected nearly 70,000 people in the U.S. The death toll has risen up to more than 1,000 and the country is fast becoming the next center of the pandemic. Perhaps knowing of this fact, Sluder has a new message for everyone, including his former self: “Don’t be arrogant and think you’re invincible like me.”

Sluder has since issued an apology for his actions. The 22-year-old from Milford, Ohio, said that he had some people in his life whom he adored, and most of them are elderly—the people most at risk from the virus. He said he has seen the errors of his ways and has turned from mocking to warning people about the effects of the virus.

The cases in Florida are steadily rising. According to Florida Today, at least 1,978 cases have been filed, with 23 deaths recorded. Miami is the heaviest hit, with Orange County and Hillsborough coming in second. Events lime the Ultra Music Festival and Calle Ocho have been cancelled.

The Miami Open, a two-week tennis tournament, has been postponed to May until things hopefully improve. It was due to start at the Hard Rock Stadium on March 23. With the cancellation, even Monte Carlo and Stuttgart tournaments are in doubt.

Sluder’s apology may have come late, but it’s not like he alone is to blame for the virus; nor is anyone to blame. There is also the case of David Anzarouth, who went to Miami in early March for vacation. The 25-year-old soon showed signs of the deadly virus. When asked for an interview, he declined but spoke through a spokesperson that he was steadily feeling well.