This news story about the new mask requirement in the national parks was adapted from an August 16 National Park Service press release. You can read the original press release here.
Few people expected we would find ourselves back in this situation, but here we are. Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, the National Park Service (NPS) has, for the second time, implemented a mask mandate.
National Park Service Implements National Mask Mandate in National Parks For the Second Time
In a press release on August 16, 2021, the NPS announced the immediate requirement for “visitors, employees and contractors to wear a mask inside all NPS buildings and crowded outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels.”
In doing so, the Park Service follows the latest science and 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. 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.”
Shawn Benge, NPS Deputy Director
The National Park Service said the new mask mandate in national parks will be in effect until further notice.
It is applicable to all buildings and public transportation systems in the national parks. This includes, but is not limited to, visitors centers, museums, shops and shuttle buses.
Additionally, the new national park mask mandate also applies to busy outdoor spaces where physical distancing isn’t possible. Examples are busy hiking trails and crowded national park overlooks and viewpoints.
Until As Many People As Possible Are Vaccinated, Mask Up
“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.”
Capt. Maria Said, MD, NPS Office of Public Health epidemiologist and member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
At The National Parks Experience, we also strongly encourage you to get vaccinated, if you aren’t already, and wear a mask indoors. The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, as has become disappointingly clear in the past month or two. So, let’s all do everything we can to actually end it once and for all.
Keep your loved ones safe, keep yourself safe. Getting vaccinated and masking up could literally save your own life, even if something not-COVID-related happens to you.
Ensuring hospitals aren’t at capacity means there will be an ICU bed available for you in case something happens.
Individuals looking to get a COVID-19 vaccine can visit vaccines.gov to find a location close to them and make an appointment. Individuals can also text their ZIP code to 438829 and get a text with the closest COVID-19 vaccine location.