Keys libraries go to curbside-only service after an employee tests positive for COVID-19
An employee at the Key West branch of the Monroe County Library has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, county officials said Friday evening.
In response, the county said it has limited library services throughout the Florida Keys to curbside pickup and drop-off of materials and information service by telephone only.
The new restrictions on the five library branches — in Key West, Big Pine Key, Marathon, Key Largo and Islamorada — are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.
The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County is doing contact tracing on the case, said county spokeswoman Kristen Livengood.
“All appropriate steps are being taken for the safety of the public and staff, including sanitizing the facility,” Livengood said in a news release.
As of Friday, the Florida Keys have 470 known cases of COVID-19, including 162 in Key West and 82 in Key Largo, and six deaths.
On Friday, the Florida Department of Health reported 25 new cases.
The current number of hospitalizations Friday was eight, including five at Lower Keys Medical Center on Stock Island, and 7,308 viral tests have been done.
Events that the Keys are famous for, including the long-running annual 10-day Fantasy Fest celebration, were canceled this week in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The Keys so far have avoided the high infection rates that have struck nearby counties like Miami-Dade and Broward.
From March 26 until June 1, the county had checkpoints up at the entrances to the island chain to turn away tourists.
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