Preparing for spike in cases as snowbirds head to Southwest Florida

Coronavirus cases are down in Southwest Florida but cases seem to be increasing in other states. With season beginning soon, will the snowbirds bring those cases down with them?

It’s too early to tell, but many business owners in our area say it’s worth the risk.

Bob Heiny takes his coffee outside and drinks it alone. But that is a sacrifice he’s willing to make during the pandemic.

“If we do this right, we can get rid of this. And we’re not doing it right,” said Heiny, of Fort Myers.

He wishes other people would make sacrifices as well. His worry is that this year’s influx of snowbirds will make the spread of the coronavirus worse and it will last much longer.

“We have to look at the health aspect of everybody around us,” Heiny said.

But aside from the virus, the snowbirds may also bring money that Southwest Florida’s economy desperately needs.

Steven Shea, manager of the Seed and Bean Market, said, “It keeps putting money back in people’s pockets, it keeps creating jobs.”

Snowbird June Hickey, from her home in Massachusetts, told WINK News Reporter Sydney Persing via Zoom that she will come down. She is willing and wants to help.

“Both my husband and I plan to do takeout and outdoor dining,” Hickey said. “In Minnesota or Iowa, wherever we’re coming from, if we just follow those guidelines, we’re gonna be fine.”

Back on the bench where Heiny is having his coffee, he truly feels for the businesses and owners around him. He just doesn’t know what anyone can do.

“What is your business going to do if everybody’s gone?”

Shea said the store is looking forward to the added customers that season always brings but not at the expense of anyone’s safety.