Directive to Close Non-essential Businesses at COB on Monday

The City of Key West has issued a directive to close down all non-essential retail and commercial establishments as of 5 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020. All essential establishments are listed in the attached directive.

The directive also urges employers to utilize all reasonable measures to allow employees to work remotely whenever possible.

The directive does not limit the number of people present at a religious service. But people attending such services are urged to practice social distancing such as keeping six feet between each other and limiting group size to less than ten people.

In the interest of public safety, economic stability and long-term recovery, all individuals should reduce social contact to the greatest degree possible my limiting their travel for essential services.

Please refer any questions regarding the essential businesses to our hotline at 305-809-1101.

Late Thursday, an Upper Keys case of COVID-19 was confirmed.

On Thursday, citing concerns about increasing coronavirus threats for visitors and residents, Monroe County told all hotels, short term rentals, vacation rentals and other transient rentals, marinas, RV parks and time shares to cease renting to tourists for 14 days. That declaration begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22. Florida Keys lodging businesses are directed to close at that time. The only exception is for long-term renters in vacation homes and R/V parks with contracts of 28 days or more, who are presently in the Keys. They are to be allowed to remain until the conclusion of their contracts.

Here are the other closures that occurred this week:

  • Attractions and activities supporting gatherings of ten or more people, including passengers and crew.
  • All bars and nightclubs
  • On-site dining at all restaurants; limited only to take out and delivery
  • Mallory Square
  • Smathers Beach
  • The Southernmost Point
  • All parks and playgrounds
  • All recreational facility, including the PAL and Douglass gyms
  • Suspended the Duval Loop
  • Limited the Ferry Terminal outbound passengers only

The City has established a hotline that is staffed 24/7: 305-809-1101

For up-to-date information on the status of Monroe County and COVID-19, go to www.Monroecountyem.com, www.floridahealth.gov, or www.CDC.gov. In addition, The Florida Department of Health has put up a 24/7 information hotline: 1-866-779-6121.

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