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
It sure would be nice to hear some truth from the NPS right now. We have concerned citizens, upcoming travelers, and park employees all on this forum (all with personal, emotional, and financial stakes held in limbo). And so many, many mixed messages from our government!
While I am concerned with this virus, I also ask that National Parks remain open if at all possible. Getting outdoors is a good way to stay away from the effects of this virus, according to the CDC. I have been to many parks and did not have the obligation to be near lots of people. If you are concerned, then please stay home.
To Anonymous-sorry you feel the need for "Truth" from the NPS. This is the truth-this is a rapidly changing situation and we do not have the answers for you-It's a complicated situation-as you can see from the posts there are many differing viewpoints-When we know something we will put it out
Because this entire thing is an absolute overreaction and its people like you that will destroy our enconomy this year.
There is a pandemic. This is serious. If you go to the store and there is no bathroom tissue because all the shelves are bare, imagine going to the hospitals and there are no beds or respiratory support ( vetilators) available. The government needs to make sure that the community at large is safe and if one does contract the virus that medical needs can be met. It's about decreasing the risk to the community. 1400 deaths have occcurred in Italy With more happening daily. This is about keeping everyone virus free in the hopes of decreasing the spread of the disease. This is not about your vacation that you will be disappointed you can't have. The issue is having the facilities and equipment needed to care for the sick and in many cases this is a terminal, fatal illness. it may be an overreaction, but it is better to err on the side of caution. Many people have the virus and do not have symptoms, but can very well pass it on. Someone in the NPS needs to take action for the safety of the community. All of us are at risk.
I came online to check on the decision of the National Park system. I see a lot of comments following the February 25 post but no subsequent announcement. Had their been any further declaration from the park system? Thank you
Yeah, thanx a million; bring it here, all of you that insist on vacationing from who knows where. Thanx.
All of you pleading to make your trip please consider the health and well being of families of the workers. As a worker myself we are subject to packed bars and restaurants in the national parks with wall to wall people from all over the world many coughing and sneezing. Please put a stop to this and close the parks for our safety. I don't want this disease brought into our home our my sife and kids go lose their husband/father.