National parks will now require masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces
The National Park Service (NPS) reimplemented a mask mandate on Aug. 16 that requires all visitors and employees to wear a mask inside all NPS buildings and in crowded outdoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status, according to an announcement on Monday.
"Visitors to national parks are coming from locations across the country, if not across the world," NPS deputy Director Shawn Benge said in a statement. "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."
Related: National park reservation requirements are changing frequently: Here's what you need to know
The new mask requirement applies to all NPS buildings, public transportation systems and outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible, community transmission levels notwithstanding. Contractors who work for the park service must also heed the regulations.
"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," Capt. Maria Said, M.D., an epidemiologist in the NPS Office of Public Health and a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, said in a statement. "This simple act of kindness allows us to be safe while we continue to enjoy the benefits of our national parks."
The updated mask guidance reinstates President Joe Biden's January executive order requiring all federal workers, including the NPS, to wear masks at work to curb the spread of COVID-19, which the NPS implemented on Feb. 2.
Under former President Donald Trump, face masks at NPS facilities were not required, but rather encouraged, including in states with local mask mandates in effect.
In 2020, more than 237 million people visited the country's national parks, a 28% decrease in attendance from 2019 due to pandemic-induced temporary park closures and restrictions. Despite the drop, park visitors have reported long wait times to enter, packed parking lots and massive crowds.
Related: Visiting a national park this summer might mean getting up before sunrise
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app