Florida Keys officials to temporarily close islands

In response to increasing concerns about potential coronavirus spread, Florida Keys government officials announced plans to temporarily close the island destination to visitors, beginning at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 22.

Keys hotels and other lodging properties are directed to close at that time.

The 125-mile island chain's first confirmed case of coronavirus was announced late Thursday.

Officials' decision was spurred by the rapid increase in cases around the U.S. and the growing potential for risk to Keys visitors and residents.

"We understand that this is a tremendous inconvenience to our visitors as well as to our businesses, and more than an inconvenience to our workers — our families who live here," said Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers. "But the health and safety of both our visitors and our residents is paramount."

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.