Name: Alcatraz — at least the outdoor areas — to reopen Monday after 5-month coronavirus closure
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Alcatraz — at least the outdoor areas — to reopen Monday after 5-month coronavirus closure

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After five months with only fog and wind rustling through the nation’s most famous penitentiary, Alcatraz Island will reopen to visitors Monday.The island’s reopening, which comes as state and local coronavirus restrictions begin to ease, marks one of the last national park sites to welcome back the public since the pandemic began. It also offers a bit of hope for San Francisco’s badly shaken tourist economy.The prison that once held Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly is now an international destination. It has historically drawn close to 6,000 people a day to the ferry docks, helping drive business to crab shacks, T-shirt stands and street performances at Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and North Beach.Visiting the island, however, won’t be quite the same — at least not right away. The biggest change is that the main cellhouse will remain closed to limit the potential spread of the coronavirus. Those hoping to see the psychiatric quarters of convicted killer and ornithologist Robert “The Birdman” Stroud or the lockup of mobster James “Whitey” Bulger will have to settle for views of the prison exterior.But officials with the National Park Service say it’s a great time to explore other, less-known facets of Alcatraz. The island has long been a pillar of maritime navigation and was home to the first lighthouse on the West Coast — its replacement stands today. It also holds the remnants of a Civil War fort. The Native American occupation of Alcatraz, which began in 1969, is commemorated as well.This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigateThe island operated as a federal penitentiary only between 1934 and 1963. It was notorious for its time as a prison not only because of the cast of characters held there but for its high-security fortifications, island location and cold, swift bay currents that made escape virtually impossible. Whether anyone successfully got out is still a matter of debate.“Like any historical site, there are many layers here,” said Charlie Strickfaden, spokesman for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which manages the island. “This presents a great opportunity for a staycation.”A new audio tour of the island’s outdoor spaces is being developed for visitors, replacing the popular prison audio tour. The tour will be available for download on mobile devices, so park officials recommend that those coming to the island bring ear buds. No ranger-led tours are being scheduled, to prevent people from clustering and to ensure physical distancing.The number of people allowed on the island also will be limited. Instead of running the Alcatraz-bound ferries at their capacities of 600 or 700, just 150 people will be allowed to board. Tickets for Alcatraz, , typically sell out six to eight weeks in advance.All ferry passengers will have their temperatures taken prior to boarding, and masks will be required during the ride. Masks are not required on the island, per National Park Service policy, but they’re highly recommended.Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Area’s largest water districts.While most National Park Service sites began reopening around Memorial Day, many areas where big crowds are common have waited. Most have taken their cues from local and state health officials.More for youStrickfaden said that the Golden Gate National Recreation Area made the decision to reopen Alcatraz in coordination with San Francisco officials and partner organizations. He said they did so only when they felt they could offer a safe experience for visitors.The subsidiary of Hornblower Cruises that runs the ferries, Alcatraz Cruises, was forced to furlough most of its employees during the pandemic. Company spokeswoman Antonette Sespene said it’s great that the public and staff are returning, and she expects other businesses along the waterfront to feel the same.“People are going to want to spend their time at the pier and watch the sea lions and have lunch again,” she said. “It’s a win for everybody in our city.”Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: Twitter:Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Area’s largest water districts.

After five months with only fog and wind rustling through the nation’s most famous penitentiary, Alcatraz Island will reopen to visitors Monday.The island’s reopening, which comes as state and local coronavirus restrictions begin to ease, marks one of the last national park sites to welcome back the public since the pandemic began. It also offers a bit of hope for San Francisco’s badly shaken tourist economy.The prison that once held Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly is now an international destination. It has historically drawn close to 6,000 people a day to the ferry docks, helping drive...

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Kurtis Alexander

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Alcatraz — at least the outdoor areas — to reopen Monday after 5-month coronavirus closure

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