Coronavirus: Doctors say next weeks ‘pivotal’ as COVID-19 cases spike after Thanksgiving

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. —

Sunday marks one of the busiest travel days of the year as people make their way back home from Thanksgiving plans.

COVID-19 cases are already on the rise and doctors said these next couple of weeks could be pivotal in deciding how Christmas and the winter months look.

Florida is on track to hit 1 million coronavirus cases sometime this coming week.

Dr. Jennifer Cowart said while numbers are on the rise across Florida, she’s relieved to see the state hasn’t come close to the situation unfolding in some midwestern states like South Dakota.

However, Dr. Cowart said the decisions people make after Thanksgiving travel is key.

She recommended those returning from a vacation where you were exposed to people outside your ‘bubble’ should get tested immediately and then again in about three to five days after your return.

“There is definitely a risk of folks bringing it back home with them if they traveled,” Dr. Cowart told Action News Jax reporter Robert Grant. “Now is really the time to be cautious with our masks and not letting our guard down and going into crowded, indoor areas.”

She reminded people to wear masks and maintain social distancing and avoid crowded areas and indoor spaces. Dr. Cowart also recommended taking advantage of Florida’s warm weather to gather with people outside.

“It’s those indoor gatherings in a heated room where everyone is talking loudly — coronavirus likes this. Coronavirus will be there too.”

On Monday, Duval County Public Schools is partnering with #FluVaxJax to host flu clinics inside some schools.

Dr. Cowart said getting your flu shot is still the best option to avoid overwhelming an already busy healthcare system.

You can find more information on #FluVaxJax here

“It keeps you healthier and out of the health care system at a time when the health care system is seeing that increase in COVID-19 cases,” Dr. Cowart said.

The flu can spread quickly through schools and the virus is very contagious. Symptoms are also similar to COVID-19.

Dr. Cowart said signs of COVID-19 include: headache, nasal congestion, cough, headache, sore throat, and a loss of taste or smell.

Cox Media Group