National Park Service Mask Requirements have been updated to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which helps communities decide what prevention steps to take. Effective immediately, masking requirements will vary by park based on local conditions. However, masks will be required on all forms of enclosed public transportation. The Park Service will post mask requirements on individual park websites to help visitors plan their visits, and parks will post signs to advise visitors.
In areas CDC identifies as high COVID-19 community level, masks are required for everyone in all NPS buildings, regardless of vaccination status. In most low and medium COVID-19 community level areas, masks are optional, but visitors should follow signs and instructions from park staff and volunteers. Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if they choose.
“Planning ahead has always been an important part of having a great park experience,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “As mask requirements evolve in parks, we want everyone to check the park website before heading out so that you know what to expect when you get there.”
The NPS continues to monitor and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, working closely with the doctors and public health professionals in the NPS Office of Public Health to use the latest science to guide our decision-making. According to the CDC, the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19 was significantly reduced by increased vaccination levels, increased population immunity, and the wide availability of treatments. Additional prevention strategies, including vaccination and testing, are effective ways to stay safe.
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