Spring Break Partier Apologizes For Downplaying Coronavirus Risks

The spring breaker who went viral last week for telling a CBS News reporter that "if I get corona, I get corona," has apologized for his comments amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Brady Sluder, a recent graduate of Milford High School near Cincinnati, Ohio, apologized in a note posted to his Instagram account on Sunday, writing that he's realized that he's not invincible after all.

"I would like to sincerely apologize for the insensitive comment I made in regards to COVID-19 while on spring break," Sluder posted in a note to his Instagram account on Sunday. "I wasn't aware of the severity of my actions and comments. I'd like to take this time to own up to the mistakes I've made and apologize to the people I've offended."

"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," Sluder wrote. "Our generation may feel invincible, like I did when I commented, but we have a responsibility to listen and follow the recommendations in our communities."

The Ohio man went viral last week after he was interviewed while on spring break in Miami in which he appeared to downplay the risk of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"If I get corona, I get corona. At the end of the day, I'm not gonna let it stop me from partying," Sluder told CBS News. "I’ve been waiting, we’ve been waiting for Miami spring break for a while. About two months we’ve had this trip planned, two, three months, and we’re just out here to having a good time."

Sluder was among a number of other spring breakers in the clip who downplayed the risk of coming together despite suggestions from local health and government officials. The clip quickly went viral as it appeared to highlight the lack of concern demonstrated by the hordes of spring breakers who descended on Florida's beaches last week.

Many local and county governments in Florida have since closed their beaches in an attempt to discourage people from congregating there and help curb the spread of the virus.

To keep up to date on the latest news about the coronavirus and to understand what you need to stay safe and healthy, check out the Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.