Press Release: National parks in the national capital area modify operations to implement latest health guidance

By Press Release On Mar 20, 2020 Last updated Mar 20, 2020

News Release — National Park Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2020

Contact: Jonathan Shafer

Washington, DC – National parks in the greater Washington area are modifying their operations to promote social distancing and implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and state authorities.

Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park open spaces and facilities will remain open. However, most indoor locations, including park visitor centers and historic sites, are closed. Visitors are advised to check park websites for the most up to date information.

You can enjoy parks virtually by visiting National Park Service (NPS) websites and social media.

Check out:

BloomCam, a live webcam overlooking the Tidal Basin made possible by the Trust for the National Mall, NPS and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
This crash course on the 19^th Amendment (it’s Women’s History Month!).
Virtual tours and 3-D visualizations of Monocacy National Battlefield structures.
An online story map about the history of Arlington Memorial Bridge.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partnersis the NPS’s number one priority. The NPS is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting parks and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. You can do this by:

maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other people.
washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, please take extra precautions and follow CDC guidance.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check individual park websites for specific details about their operations.