National Park Service Implements Mask Requirement
Across All Parks and Federal Buildings
Image Caption: Image from Unsplash
This week, the National Park Service (NPS) implemented a mask requirement for all employees, visitors, partners, and contractors in support of the President’s Executive Order on Protection the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, which is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Wearing a mask around others, physical distancing, and washing your hands are the simplest and most effective public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19,” said NPS Office of Public Health Director Captain Sara Newman. “Getting outside and enjoying our public lands is essential to improving mental and physical health, but we all need to work together to recreate responsibly.”
What this means is that face masks must be worn in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required anywhere physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow of busy trails, overlooks, and historic homes. NPS is taking additional precautions by putting capacity limits in certain areas, designating one-way trails, and temporarily closing certain areas and facilities.
“Working with public health officials and following the latest science and guidance, we can make national parks safer for employees, visitors and partners,” said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge. “We will continue to evaluate operations and make appropriate modifications to visitor services as needed.”
Visitors to park facilities, buildings, and lands, should take these new precautions into account and make sure to visit the website of the park they plan to enjoy ahead of time to ensure they fully understand all safety measures put in place.
