Credit: Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Syndication: USA TODAY
Washington (77WABC) – The National Park Service announced Monday that it is once again requiring visitors, employees and contractors to wear masks inside all NPS buildings and crowded outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels, following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Visitors to national parks are coming from locations across the country, if not across the world,” said NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge in a press release. “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.”
The NPS said the requirement will be in effect until further notice and applies to all NPS buildings and public transportation systems. It also applies to outdoors 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,” said Capt. Maria Said, MD, an epidemiologist in the NPS Office of Public Health and a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, in the press release. “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.”
