Alcatraz reopens for indoor tours after yearlong pandemic closure
SAN FRANCISCO — Alcatraz, the historic island prison off San Francisco, reopened Monday for a limited number of indoor tours, which had been on ice for more than a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Face masks and social distancing are still required at the island, which once housed Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Ferries to Alcatraz are operating at 25% capacity, carrying about 150 passengers instead of the usual 600.
Access to the infamous cell house will be limited to visitors who sign up for the audio tour in advance.
Restaurants, movie theaters, gyms reopen in L.A. County today
Safety modifications have been made throughout the island, including social-distancing markers, increased cleanings and hand-sanitizer stations.
Food service will not be available on the ferries or on the island.
In August, the popular tourist destination opened for outdoor-only visits, to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Alcatraz usually hosts up to 5,000 tourists a day. For now, that number will be capped at about 1,000.
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