Despite no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus so far in Monroe County, businesses — especially in the tourism-driven Florida Keys — are bracing for the pandemic’s economic impact. NBC 6’s Arlene Borenstein reports.
Florida Keys officials have ordered the island to close to visitors amid the first presumptive positive coronavirus case in Monroe County.
Officials announced Thursday that hotels will also be directed to stop taking new reservations effective immediately. They said they have plans to close the island to visitors starting at 6 p.m. Sunday.
The only exception is for longterm renters in vacation homes and RV parks with contracts of 28 days or more who are currently staying in the Keys. They are allowed to stay until the end of their contracts.
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“We know that closing down the tourism industry is a major inconvenience for our visitors,” said Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers. “But the health and safety of our visitors and residents are paramount."
As of Thursday, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Florida surpassed 400.
State health officials also announced Thursday that there is a presumptive positive travel-related case in the Florida Keys that has not been confirmed by the CDC yet. The case would be Monroe County's first.
