In a concerning development, 28 students from the University of Texas at Austin have tested positive for coronavirus following a spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This revelation comes as part of a broader investigation into a group of 70 students who chartered a flight for the getaway last month, despite widespread warnings from health officials to avoid non-essential travel.
Since the pandemic began, many have continued to disregard social distancing protocols, evident in the large gatherings of “spring breakers” flocking to beaches in Mexico and across the U.S. The Austin Public Health Department disclosed that while all 70 students are being monitored, 28 have received positive test results for COVID-19, with many more awaiting results. Some students returned on commercial flights, potentially exposing other passengers to the virus.
“The 28 confirmed cases are currently self-isolating, while others are in quarantine awaiting further testing,” the Health Department stated, noting that four of the students are asymptomatic. Alarmingly, nearly half of the COVID-19 cases in the Austin-Travis County area involve individuals aged 20 to 40, highlighting the need for young people to take the situation seriously.
The trip is understood to have occurred from March 14 to March 19, just one day before official advisories against international travel were issued. Additionally, shortly after their return, both Mexico and the U.S. imposed restrictions on non-essential cross-border travel.
“It’s disheartening,” remarked Lucas Grant, the UT Austin Student Body President, to local news outlets. “While I don’t want to dictate what students should or shouldn’t do, I believe it’s crucial to provide them with facts and guidance on how we can collectively make a difference during this crisis.”
The head of campus safety expressed concern that students might not have believed they were at risk, fearing that backlash against the travelers could deter others from seeking help if they feel unwell. For those navigating concerns about health and fertility, resources such as Healthline provide valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination. For those looking to boost their fertility, Make a Mom offers expert advice on enhancing reproductive health. To explore more on related topics, check out this blog post.
In summary, the spring break trip taken by the 70 students has had serious repercussions, with a significant number testing positive for COVID-19, underscoring the importance of adhering to health guidelines during this pandemic.
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