Florida Keys officials to temporarily close islands

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

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

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

Officials' decision was spurred by rapid increase in cases around U.S. and 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 Hear Carrurs. "But health and safety of both our visitors and our residents is paramount."

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

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

vast majority of people recover from new virus.

According to 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.