PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — If you're headed to Put-In-Bay, you are better off packing a mask.
The ferries that travel back and forth are making them mandatory.
Since reopening after the coronavirus shutdown regulations were loosened, all Miller Ferry employees have been required to wear masks aboard their ferries, but passenger masks were only strongly recommended.
Miller Ferry also lowered its ferry capacity to two thirds the number of people aboard.
But now, as it's been confirmed that COVID-19 cases are on the rises nationally, and locally on South Bass Island, Miller Ferry ownership has worked with the Jet Express to mandate masks be worn at all times by passengers while aboard the island ferries.
The hope is the small act of wearing a mask during the 18-minute ride to the island can ensure everyone on the boat and on the island can remain healthy.
"They're in vacation mentality, but we want to make sure everyone still has safety and health in their minds. And so, coming to the island, we have year-round residents who live here that we are trying to keep safe, as well as employees that come up and fellow visitors," Caitlin Bolyard with Miller Boat Line said.
If you're ready to board the Miller Ferry and you don't have a mask, you will be able to purchase one for $1 from the ticket counter.
There is currently no requirement to wear a mask on the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat line to Kelleys Island.
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