At this time last year, curfews were set in place all around Miami’s most popular areas, trying to stem the spread of COVID. One year later, Miami Beach has had to place another for the same reason, extending it to make it effective longer.

The reason for this is because of the influx of tourists who will surely be arriving to Miami Beach to enjoy their spring break. However, this is a big risk in regards to COVID.

The curfew in place as of now is from Thursday’s to Sundays beteeen 8pm and 6pm until April 12.

Local police are doing what they can to enforce the rule, however, they’ve made about 1000 arrests, which is twice as many as last year, according to The Guardian. They’ve been using teargas in order to disperse crowds, and while this particular doesn’t necessarily stop COVID, which coincidentally spreads with this gas, they have considered it somewhat effective. This controversial measure has led both police officers and spring breakers to get injured in the fray.

I asked some ILS juniors for their thoughts on the situation.

Mia Castellon conceded that even though it is spring break, the “unsafe events that have taken place over the last few weeks” have deemed it “necessary to have a curfew.”

“Health should be a priority,” Castellon concluded.

“I would recommend tourists to stay out of Miami Beach for now,” says Maria Meyer, who can see that the situation has gotten more dangerous this year.

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that the curfew is in place to protect people and to help the number of COVID cases in Miami go down, while still allowing people to enjoy spring break. Following it would be wise, to say the least.

For more information about this story, go to https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/mar/22/miami-beach-spring-break-curfew-emergency-april-coronavirus .