Florida Keys open to tourists from today

Tourists can return to Florida Keys from today, after a gap of two months. Highway checkpoints will come down and visitors can once again hit all the restaurants and attractions, a Miami Herald report said.

But it won’t exactly be the same as before the pandemic. There will be rules to follow.

Here’s what you can and can’t do if you are planning to visit:

Monroe County requires masks in public. They should be worn while inside a business, working in public, on public transportation and when around people besides immediate family. They can be taken off while eating in restaurants, in personal vehicles and during distanced outdoor activities.

Airplane travellers who come through Key West International Airport from highly affected areas will be screened.

Cleaning and housekeeping regulations have changed to increase sanitation and decrease exposure.

Short-term vacation and rental reservations are open to visitors from areas that have COVID-19 case rates less than 700 cases per 100 thousand residents. Visitors from hot spot areas are to be avoided for about a month. International travellers cannot make reservations.

Florida Keys restaurants can operate at 50% capacity indoors. Outdoor capacity will not be limited, but tables must be six feet apart and seat no more than 10 people.

Bars remain closed, as per Governor Ron DeSantis’ order.

Group attractions are limited to 10 people and all must follow health guidelines. Seating at pools and beaches must have six feet of separation between groups.

Physical distancing is advised in all spaces such as queues and lobbies with foot traffic in one direction.

Here are some attractions that will be open to tourists:

• Southernmost Point monument, Key West
• The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory
• Fury Water Adventures Key West
• Danger Charters, Key West
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West. Beach, fort and trails are open for day activities. Café is closed, and restaurant availability may be limited.
• The Hemingway Home and Museum, Key West. Will open Tuesday.
• Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters, Marathon
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
• Dolphins Plus, Key Largo
• Theater of the Sea, Islamorada
• Robbie’s of Islamorada
• Dolphin Research Center, Grass Key
• Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key. Beach and trails are open for day activities. Concession is closed, and restaurant availability may be limited.

Some attractions such as ferries and seaplanes to Dry Tortugas National Park remain suspended.