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Leaders Shut Off The Florida Keys To Outsiders For Weeks. Now, COVID-19 Cases Are Suddenly Rising

The scene at the former checkpoint to Monroe County.

Three weeks ago, the Florida Keys had an empty feeling. Shops were shut. Restaurants had a few locals. And two checkpoints blocked tourists from entering the island chain. The COVID-19 rate also was low. With visitors shut out, Keys leaders hoped the virus would be, too.

Fast-forward to now, and many tourists are back. They’re spreading out on the beaches, filling the restaurants — at least to the new limited capacity — and strolling Duval Street.

The coronavirus numbers are up, too. In the past two weeks, 81 cases have been added to the Keys total. The prior two-week period saw 13 additional cases.

Read more at our news partner the Miami Herald.

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