Doctors fear COVID-19 vaccine’s arrival will lead to a disregard for safety over the holidays

ORLANDO, Fla. — Case counts are climbing in Florida and public health researchers say it doesn’t look like things are getting better.

Some doctors are concerned that people will believe that with a COVID-19 vaccine finally available, the pandemic is nearly over - it’s not.

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It is not clear how long it will take until vaccines are available to the general public, and some people have the wrong idea going into the holidays.

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Public health researcher, Dr. Dadilia Garcés Mejia, said the holiday season is starting to become “The most worrisome time of the year.”

Coronavirus cases are climbing quickly across the country.

“Florida has recorded more than 8,000 cases each day for the past week,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “With almost 11,700 cases reported one day, marking the highest daily increase Florida has seen since the summer surge.”

Mejia said during November, she and other doctors had one main worry; get-togethers for Thanksgiving.

Watch: Florida reports 138 more coronavirus-related deaths as country’s death toll tops 300,000

But now in December, there’s Hannakuh, Christmas, office parties, packed stores and friends’ gift exchanges, which are causing more concern.

“You have a surge upon a surge,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci.

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Although the first round of the vaccine is finally here, some doctors said that will not stop the spike we are seeing.

So doctors say the answer, for the short term, is to limit your gatherings this holiday season and continue coronavirus pandemic precautions.

See the full report in the video above.

Cox Media Group