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Coronavirus And The National Park System

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By NPT Staff - February 25th, 2020

With the large international visitation that the National Park System receives, it's only natural to wonder how the National Park Service is guarding against visitors who might be infected with Coronavirus.

Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Death Valley are among the park units that attract large numbers of international visitors. 

"While there have been no identified cases of Coronavirus in any national park, the NPS Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the National Park Service are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed, relying on the most updated data and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," Alexandra Picavet, the acting chief spokesperson for the Park Service, said Tuesday.

"Parks are informed to follow CDC guidance regarding preventative actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, particularly during flu and respiratory disease season."

Comments

Submitted by mark boudreaux on March 7, 2020 - 7:18am.

Will the park service make current updates to park closures as soon as possible so the public can cancel travel plans?

 


Submitted by Joe Ramon on March 7, 2020 - 5:35pm.

The parks really should be closed as soon as possible. Events are being cancelled all over the country to prevent the spread of corona virus. The National Parks should take the lead and close immediately. They close for government shutdowns, why would they not close to protect the communities that surround them?


Submitted by Clayton Nadeau on March 8, 2020 - 1:53pm.

Please don't shut down parks unless the need arises, try to control the influx of potential hazards and persons from the areas most affected.


Submitted by Me on March 8, 2020 - 6:31pm.

The tourist season will begin soon. Seasonal from around the world will be starting jods soon.What precautions and screeningwill NPS be providing to prevent a pandemic within our parks??

 


Submitted by Tom Smith on March 10, 2020 - 4:12pm.

Please do not close the parks.  this is getting ridiculous.  If people are concerned, just don't go...


Submitted by Kelly on March 10, 2020 - 8:56pm.

closing The National parks would be devistaing especially for families with terminally ill family members with cancer who have been planning for their trip of a lifetime, and may be their last chance to go 


Submitted by A concerned citizen and NPS employee family member on March 10, 2020 - 10:26pm.

It is extremely disappointing and frustrating that the NPS has not restricted ANY travel of federal employees, even non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak to known outbreak areas.   It is irresponsible to not do so.   The Federal Govenment could be looking at many compensation claims for sickness on the job (or worse).  Do the right thing for employees, not more political posturing.


Submitted by Jennifer on March 11, 2020 - 9:18am.

I have planned a trip of a lifetime and I am hoping and praying that the national parks do not close.   If you are concerned, then please by all means stay home.  I have precations already set in place.  I have bought gloves and wipes and plan on not touching anything in the parks with my hands.   This does not mean that I will not be able to still enjoy the beauty of nature.  This is a bucket list trip for me and I am hoping that I will still be able to go in April !


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