Record Breaking Numbers of Florida COVID Cases Reported on Christmas

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Magic Kingdom crowds in front of Cinderella Castle on Happily Ever After finale night

Credit: Inside the Magic

The holiday weekend is one of the busiest times to travel during the year. From visiting other family members in different states to going on vacation to places such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, airports are filled with cheerful travelers. However, as many are eager to travel, COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing.

In fact, Florida, home to many theme parks and vacation destinations, has just reported record-breaking numbers for Christmas Day.

Holiday crowds at Disney Springs
Credit: Inside the Magic

Related: Time to Head to Disney World? COVID Transmission Map Shows Florida’s Low Numbers

Florida health officials are saying that there were 32,850 new COVID cases reported on December 25, which breaks the record for the most cases in a single day since March 2020. Previously, the record was set on December 24 with 31,758 cases.

Prior to the holiday weekend, however, the record was at 27,802 cases, which occurred in late August due to the surge in the Delta variant.

Disney after hours crowds
Credit: Inside the Magic

Related: Universal Reverts Mask Mandate as Omicron Variant Spreads

Now, due to the recent surge of the COVID-19 Omicron variant, COVID cases are skyrocketing, making traveling during the holiday season harder. In fact, on Christmas Eve, we reported hundreds of flights were canceled due to the recent surge of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Now, the flight cancelations continue, leaving thousands of travelers stranded in airports across the country.

If you are currently visiting Walt Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, or have plans to do so in the near future, be sure to contact your airline directly for the most up-to-date information regarding your flight status.

Epcot crowd levels
Credit: ITM Kelly C.

Related: Florida’s First Case of COVID Omicron Variant Confirmed

Additionally, make sure you familiarize yourself with the current rules and regulations at the theme parks. For Walt Disney World’s current safety rules, click here. For Universal Orlando’s current safety rules, click here.

Are you currently visiting Florida? Are you worried about the Omicron variant? Let us know in the comments below.

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