The National Park Service (NPS) is modifying operations until further notice for facilities and programs that cannot adhere to the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is the priority of the National Park Service,” Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt said. “Park superintendents are empowered to modify their operations, including closing facilities and canceling programs, to address the spread of the coronavirus.”
“The NPS is working with federal, state and local authorities, while we, as a nation, respond to this public health challenge,” NPS Deputy Director David Vela said. “Park superintendents are assessing their operations now to determine how best to protect the people and their parks going forward.”
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Closures include Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Everglades, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Point Reyes. The Washington Memorial shut down to the public over the weekend as did the Statue of Liberty.
Updates about the NPS response to the coronavirus will be posted on nps.gov/coronavirus. Check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.
Photo courtesy Yosemite National Park
