Florida soared past all previous single records to more than 58,000 new cases Thursday.
As these spiking numbers happen all across the nation, one of the day's biggest developments came from the CDC. Thursday, the CDC issued a warning to cruise passengers not to board a ship right now.
Cruise lines have not cancelled any voyages at the time of the announcement, but local businesses who rely on the cruising industry are now monitoring the situation.
It's a steady Thursday night inside Kelsey's Pizza in Cape Canaveral. Deana Imster has been working there for 18 years and can tell from behiind the counter who is local and who is going on vacation the next day.
“Tonight I am sure there are some leaving tomorrow," Deana says from the restaurant with a dinner rush. "This is what it looks like, or sometimes it is more packed. Line out the door. “
The pizza place banks on visitors heading out on a cruise the next day. It’s 60% of their business.
“Even our regulars, they know that the cruises are happening," Imster explains. "They could tell when it was not happening when it was slow. “
As for the cruise goers, the CDC now recommends avoiding cruises regardless of your vaccination status, getting tested one to three days before the trip and three to five days after, wear a mask, and for those unvaccinated to self quarantine for five full days after travel.
“On a business standpoint, it would probably hit us hard you know," Deana suggests. "In the end, you need to do whatever makes you feel comfortable.”
Two cruises are set to depart from Port Canaveral Friday, and by the looks of Kelsey’s, passengers will continue to board.
The CDC does say that if you still plan on going on an upcoming cruise or are going to book one, then be fully vaccinated with all your doses and a booster.