Key West The Newspaper

Starting at midnight on Wednesday April 8th (and until further notice) all passengers flying into the Keys will be screened for COVID-19 by Department of Health workers or members of Monroe County Fire Rescue regardless of where their flight originated. The screenings are mandatory at both Key West International and Marathon Florida Keys International airports.

Arriving passengers will also be required to self-quarantine for 14 days or the duration of their stay, whichever is shorter, according to a County press release. Those caught violating the quarantine rule face a 60-day jail sentence or a fine up to $500.

Florida Department of Health in Monroe County and the airports have implemented state-directed screening, which includes a separate facility and isolation area. Passengers will fill out the Dept. of Health-required questionnaire and have their temperatures taken. The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County trained Monroe County Fire Rescue to provide the follow up for individuals.

Most flights from areas included in the Governor’s executive order requiring screening of certain passengers statewide (hot spots: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Louisiana) are canceled or consolidated.

“On average, passenger counts this time of year range from 70 to 124 passengers per flight. Due to the virus, it has been between two and 10 people, most of whom have been residents or property owners. The 37 inbound flights per day for this time of year are now down to 12 or less per day.,” wrote County spokesperson, Kristen Livengood, in a press release.