A look at whether rising COVID-19 cases will change habits

Our coronavirus cases are up almost seven-fold since a month ago in Florida. Meanwhile, we learned Friday RSW broke a travel record for June. That’s before the delta began to spread at a high rate.

We looked to see if people are changing their habits and what they think should happen next.

“We are seeing cases here in Southwest Florida,” Dr. Rebekah Bernard said. “The delta variant is more contagious as far as spreading person-to-person. It seems like the estimated number of viruses in people is 1,000 times greater than the original COVID-19, which is why it’s easier to spread.”

Florida Department of Health data shows Southwest Florida had the highest number of cases this past week since the beginning of February.

MORE: COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report: State Overview

“It’s really bad, so for people not to wear masks when they are around people, that’s where the problem is,” Patty Lybbert said.

Data from RSW is showing the delta variant is not stopping people from getting on airplanes, with travel up 49% since last year.

“We need to try to halt this as quickly as possible, and really right now, the way to do that is vaccination,” Bernard said.

While Bernard says the vaccine is the way to beat this spike, not everyone agrees

“I would be concerned for the vaccinated,” Keith Fjelsted said.

“I believe if you eat healthily and pray, you’ll be fine,” Pamela Stewart said.

Some would prefer to go back to wearing masks.

“The question will come do we need to start masking again?” Bernard said.

“You have to wait ‘till it’s gone, and then, you take your mask off,” Lybbert said.

Florida Department of Health data also shows that vaccinations are up this week.