‘Overwhelmed’: Miami Declares State of Emergency Amid Spring Break Invasion



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The American city of Miami Beach has been forced to declare a state of emergency after crowds of tourists arrived for spring break.

Mayor Dan Gelber announced Saturday that an 8 p.m. curfew is now in effect for the South Beach entertainment district. Additionally, traffic heading to the coast will be filtered. These measures are expected to last at least 72 hours while city officials discuss an extended state of emergency.

“When we reach the peak of spring break, we are simply overwhelmed,” explained the city manager, Raúl Aguila, to Yahoo!. Aguila went on to describe a scene of massive crowding that can only increase the chances of contracting Covid-19. “You couldn’t see the pavement and you couldn’t see the grass.”

Gelber blamed the overcrowding on airlines that created cheap flight deals to Miami.

Miami police officers arrested several people when an emergency curfew went into effect.

Pedro Portal

Miami police officers arrested several people when an emergency curfew went into effect.

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“There are many cheap flights,” he told the media. “Last month you could get here from Philadelphia, New York or Chicago for $ 50 round trip.” However, despite imposing a curfew, it appears that large crowds continue to gather in South Beach after 8pm.

Not only is it a hotbed for the transmission of the coronavirus, but the crowds of people have also caused chaos and violence. Police were forced to use pepper balls Thursday to stop a fight at the Clevelander South Beach hotel and restaurant. This led the establishment to close its restaurant services due to overcrowding and coincidental violence.

Airlines have lowered the price of flights to Miami.

Pedro Portal

Airlines have lowered the price of flights to Miami.

“Recently, we have become increasingly concerned about the safety of our dedicated employees and valued customers and the City’s ability to maintain a safe environment in the surrounding area,” the hotel said in a statement by South Florida’s. NBC affiliate.

Police also responded to several fights on Friday that led to Gelber’s state of emergency during which chairs were used as weapons.

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