Face masks will be required for everyone entering buildings in the National Park System or in crowded outdoor areas.

National Park Service officials on Monday directed that all visitors, employees, and contractors entering NPS buildings and in crowded areas of parks must wear a face mask, regardless of their vaccination status. 

Deputy Director Shawn Benge cited the latest science and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in issuing the directive.

“Visitors to national parks are coming from locations across the country, if not across the world.  Because of this, and recognizing that the majority of the United States is currently in substantial or high transmission categories, we are implementing a service-wide mask requirement to ensure our staff and visitors’ safety,” Benge said in a release.

This requirement will be in effect until further notice, and applies to all NPS buildings and public transportation systems, the release said. It also applies to outdoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, such as narrow or busy trails and overlooks. 

“Being vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of the coronavirus. Masking, in addition to being vaccinated, will help prevent the spread of new variants and protect those who are more at risk of severe disease. This simple act of kindness allows us to be safe while we continue to enjoy the benefits of our national parks,” said Capt. Maria Said, MD, an epidemiologist in the National Park Service Office of Public Health and a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.