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Park Service now requiring face masks for visitors, employees

Published February 2, 2021
This includes trails where physical distancing can't be maintained.

WASHINGTON (BRAIN) — As part of the recent President's Executive Order to protect the federal workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Park Service on Tuesday implemented a mandatory mask requirement for visitors, employees, partners, and contractors.

Face masks are required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing can't be maintained, including narrow or high-traffic trails, overlooks, and historic homes. The NPS said measures are in place to limit park capacity, create one-way trails, and temporary close parks, depending on local conditions.

"Getting outside and enjoying our public lands is essential to improving mental and physical health, but we all need to work together to recreate responsibly," said NPS Office of Public Health Director Captain Sara Newman.

Visitors are urged to check individual park websites and social media channels for operational changes. Park rangers will enforce the new requirements and also provide additional information.

Topics associated with this article: Coronavirus

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