After being closed to tourists since March 22, the Keys are now officially targeting Monday, June 1 for reopening to visitors. Easing visitor restrictions coincides with the planned June 1 suspension of checkpoints on two roads leading from the South Florida mainland to the Keys.
During the beginning stages of this reopening, lodging will be limited to 50 percent of standard occupancy.
According to local officials, this plan may be hampered if there are significant increases of Covid-19 cases in the Keys or on the South Florida mainland. In the meantime, Keys lodging and other tourism-related businesses are preparing for a “new normal” to host visitors.
So just what is the “new normal?”
Well, you can expect to see new disinfecting and social distancing guidelines, as well as mandatory face coverings for both visitors and for tourism industry staff members. These guidelines will be initiated with input from the Florida Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
In the case of larger resorts and tourism-related businesses, corporate offices likely will help to establish procedures.
If you’re planning on coming down to the Keys anytime soon, you may want to make your reservations as soon as possible since availability, right now, is limited.
For a comprehensive list of top lodging properties, click here.
Resources for COVID-19 Information:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Florida Department of Health
Monroe County Emergency Management
