Fire Island is a holiday hot spot, but if you're headed out there for Memorial Day, expect big changes on the ferries, restaurants and hotels.

With restaurants empty and shops closed, the typical kickoff to the summer season is causing anything but excitement this year.

Normally on the Friday before Memorial Day, the walkways in Ocean Beach would be packed, but due to the pandemic they are not.

Village officials have put several restrictions in place, including that masks must be worn at all times and social distancing rules must be followed while sitting on the beach.

"We can levy up to a $1,000 fine for somebody who doesn't comply with that," says Ocean Beach Mayor Jim Mallott.

 

So far, no one in Ocean Beach has tested positive for COVID-19, but with an influx of summer residents, the Ocean Beach Fire Department is prepared, including designating one ambulance for coronavirus patients only.

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Fire Island ferries are taking precautions as well -- saying without a mask, people won't be allowed on.

Along with the fear of cases reaching the area, Mallot says he's deeply concerned about the bottom line.

"I'm afraid there are going to be boarded up business if we don't salvage the summer here with July and August," he says.