Coronavirus: 28 spring breakers test positive after returning home to Texas

‘Four of the confirmed cases did not present any symptoms’

A large group of spring breakers tested positive for the coronavirus after returning home to Austin, Texas.

The Austin Public Health Department said that 28 people who went on a spring break holiday to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico contracted the virus.

“About a week and a half ago, approximately 70 people in their 20’s departed in a chartered plane for a spring break trip,” the statement read.

“Some of the group returned on separate commercial flights. Currently, 28 young adults on this trip have tested positive for Covid-19 and dozens more are under public health investigation.”

The department confirmed that “four of the confirmed cases did not present any symptoms.”

All 28 of the confirmed cases are self-isolating and a number of others who were on board the flight are being tested under quarantine.

The department confirmed that every person on the flight has been informed of the situation.

Austin-Travis County Interim Health Authority Dr Mark Escott told the department that the spring breakers risked the health of others by going on the trip.

“The virus often hides in the healthy and is given to those who are at grave risk of being hospitalised or dying,” he said.

Dr Escott added that “while younger people have less risk for complications, they are not immune from severe illness and death from Covid-19.”

Many Americans have continued going on spring break holidays, despite the pandemic. Brady Sluder recently went viral for an interview while on spring break where he said: “We’re just out here having a good time. Whatever happens, happens.”

Mr Sluder later apologised, writing: "Like many others, I have elderly people who I adore more than anything in the world and other family members who are at risk, and I understand how concerning this disease is for us all.".

According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, upwards of 190,740 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the US. The death toll has reached at least 4,127.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended a two-week ban on gatherings of more than 50 people as part of the battle to contain the spread of the contagion.