The National Park Service has reopened San Francisco's Alcatraz Island to the public with restrictions.
"It's the first time in a year that we have allowed people inside the cell block," NPS Ranger Charlie Strickfaden told KCBS Radio.
The former island prison has been closed since December, when pandemic-related stay-at-home order was carried out in five counties - including San Francisco - and the city of Berkeley.
Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory in Alcatraz, which once housed Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.
Boat services to The Rock are operating at 25% capacity, transporting around 150 passengers instead of the usual 600.
Food will not be offered on the ferry, and people are restricted from eating food anywhere on the island, the NPS said.
Access to the detention facility's outdoor areas, including Eagle Plaza, Recreation Yard, Sally Port, and historic gardens will be open to visitors, while tours of the cell house require a pre-visit approval.
Alcatraz' reopening was welcomed by the business community and the tourism industry, which has largely been out of business since the first coronavirus lockdowns were imposed a year ago.
"I think it symbolizes a turning point for our city and our tourism industry. The Alcatraz tours are kind of an iconic piece of San Francisco history," San Francisco Chamber of Commerce policy chief Jay Cheng told KPIX 5.
Several theme parks, including Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, have also announced plans to reopen later this spring.
