Things are starting to open up, but restrictions vary depending on the county. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties have the highest numbers of COVID-19 cases in Florida. Therefore, they also have more restrictions. However, as I write this, Palm Beach County is allowing dive boats to operate with restrictions.

You can read the Palm Beach County document telling what is allowed and what is restricted here. Be prepared for the following restrictions.

• Maximum of 10 people on the boat
• Divers must be seated at least six feet apart
• Everyone on the boat must wear a face covering before, between, and after diving
• Social distancing rules apply on the boat
  
• Dive shops may only operate to fill dive tanks, by appointment only
• Restaurants at marinas are limited to take-out service only
• Beaches are still not open (no beach diving at the Blue Heron Bridge)
  

I know of several dive boats that are operating at about half their normal capacity. I recommend signing up to go diving as much as possible to help out our local dive operations.

By the time you read this, some things may have changed. In fact, change seems to be the only thing that is certain now. Therefore, in that spirit, I have decided to host a Zoom virtual meeting for our May General Membership Meeting. We can hear about the status of planned overseas dive trips, and see how our friends are holding up during the lockdown.