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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGulf Coast's beloved 'Redneck Riviera' now a virus hotspot
By JAY REEVES, Associated Press 2 hrs ago
GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) Tourists and servers alike dance atop tables and in the aisles at one restaurant on the Redneck Riviera, a beloved stretch of towns along the northern Gulf Coast where beaches, bars and stores are packed. Yet just a few miles away, a hospital is running out of critical care beds, its rooms full of unvaccinated people fighting for their lives.
On maps that show virus hot spots in red, this part of the U.S. coast is glowing like a bad sunburn. And a summer of booming tourism that followed the lockdowns and travel restrictions of 2020 is making the turn toward fall with only a few signs of slowing down.
Health officials believe the spike is due to a combination of some of the nations lowest vaccination rates, unabated tourism, a disregard for basic health precautions and the regions carefree lifestyle, all combining at a time when the mutated virus is more contagious than ever and conservative states are balking at new health restrictions.
On a recent afternoon, one shopper after another walked through the mouth of a giant, fake shark into a Gulf Shores souvenir shop. Mini-golf courses, bars, go-kart tracks, hotels and condominium towers were full. The National Shrimp Festival, which draws as many as 250,000 people to the Alabama coast, is set for October despite the COVID-19 explosion.
More:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/gulf-coasts-beloved-redneck-riviera-now-a-virus-hotspot/ar-AANu7SX?ocid=msedgntp&li=BBnb7Kz
Ligyron
(7,632 posts)LastDemocratInSC
(3,647 posts)malaise
(268,968 posts)was a hoax. I still remember some of the responses.
Well I would not be exposing my staff to anyone who refuses a vaccine. Go back to the RR and die at your favorite restaurant.
Ziggysmom
(3,407 posts)I don't feel sorry for the idiots, but innocent children and those unable to get the vaccine for legitimate reasons are paying the price. Are we becoming a shithole like tfg ranted about?
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,490 posts)although Florida has worn that one out.......
Unlikely we'll see many international tourists spending their holiday in the USA for quite some time.
KY
greenjar_01
(6,477 posts)GoCubsGo
(32,080 posts)They've been flaunting COVID for months and months.