The coronavirus pandemic has altered vacation rentals on Nantucket in many ways…some good…some less than. There was a moratorium on short term rentals in May and June in Massachusetts that ended just in time for the summer season. Cleaners have had to adjust their normal routine to incorporate special protocols including sanitization of highly touched surfaces and enhanced cleaning for linens. The most recent modification to how we have handled rentals in the past is a mandatory quarantine for visitors from high risk states, effective August 1, 2020. This is an update to the Governor’s previous recommendation for a 14 day quarantine. Anyone traveling in from all states EXCEPT ME, NH, VT, RI, CT, NY, NJ and HI are required to fill out a Travel Form certifying that they have received a negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to their arrival in the state, or they will quarantine for no longer than 14 days until they receive the results of such a test. Any one found not in compliance is subject to a fine of $500 per day. As with most adjustments we have made since the pandemic began, this will likely turn out to be a relatively minor inconvenience that is worth the extra effort to keep us safe and enjoy the island we all love.