Lake Erie Island businesses and tourism officials have been getting a flood of phone calls and emails from those who want to enjoy island life once again. While Put-in-Bay officials say their heartfelt wish is to welcome everyone back, they can’t do it right now because of the coronavirus pandemic and the social distancing and State at Home orders by Gov. Mike DeWine.

The safeguards are needed to ensure everyone’s next trip to Put-in-Bay is memorable and safe, say Put-in-Bay officials. Until then, island officials will only allow residents, property owners, essential businesses and service providers to ride the Miller Boat Line to South Bass and Middle Bass islands.

The Jet Express, which has yet to begin operations, will not begin ferrying people to South Bass Island for the foreseeable future.

The Put-in-Bay village docks, state parks, public bathrooms, dine-in restaurants, bars and lodging are all closed. There are no doctors or medical facilities available, and limited evacuation options.

Signing the declaration keeping the island closed to tourist traffic were: Chairman Matt Miller of Put-in-Bay Township; Mayor Jessica Dress of the Village of Put-in-Bay; President William Market of Miller Boat Line; Owner Todd Blumensaadt of The Jet Express; Chair Rick Zeibarth of the Put-in-Bay Township Port Authority; and President Caitlin Bolyard of the Put-in-Bay Chamber off Commerce.