Coronavirus image/CDC,Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS
National parks and their facilities remain open during the coronavirus epidemic in the United States while National Park Service officials await further guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, agency staff said Thursday.
"To help guide the National Park Service operational response to the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19), the NPS Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the NPS are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed," Park Service acting chief spokesperson Stephanie Roulett told the Traveler in an email. "They are relying on the most updated data and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM), state and local public health authorities, and coordinating with the DOI Office of Emergency Management.
"The national parks are open and facilities are maintaining continuity of operations," she added. "The NPS is focused on ensuring employees, their families, volunteers, and visitors are safe by following the most current guidance from the CDC, OPM, OEM, and other federal, state, and local health authorities."
The Park Service has been working to keep the public up-to-date on the situation via its public health website.
Representatives for Xanterra Parks & Resorts and Delaware North, two of the largest concessionaires in the National Park System with operations in places such as Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Sequoia, and Shenandoah national parks, did not immediately reply Thursday to emailed requests for how they were approaching the epidemic in their park lodges and restaurants.
Comments
I am not surprised at all that NPS hasn't acted. Being a park employee you already know the intention of these places... Money. Just look at the horrible cheap food they serve to park visitors and employees. Look at the living conditions for the employees. And look at the culture. They definitely don't care about harassment, bullying, or drug use. All they need is warm bodies to keep their heads afloat.
I think it is irresponsible of the Federal Govt to put their employees and the Cooperationg Associations in harms way. Being an employee that operates a very busy visitor centoer store, we are dealing ith known poor hygeine habits from visitors that use our restroom facilities,and we have to handle money, merchandise and now the overflow fro State Parks being closed, schools being closed and of course extended Spring Break. This is the exact ooposite of social distancing and I can say we are a small pak seeing about 500 visitors a day on average in March and they spend a great deal of time in our store and in close proximity to our Park Rangers and partner staff. It's inexucable...we have to take measures for the general public and hope we don't bring something home to our families so the general public who really doesn't contribute to the well being of our public lands so they can have a good time. F That. OUr only defense? A can of Lysol spray, and wipes? NPS get real.
I agree wholeheartedly Robert! I work for the NPS in Ohio and we are taking precaution: washing hands, cleaning computer stations with Clorox wipes, using latex gloves when necessary and drive on!!
I do agree that visitor center should be shut down to the general public
If you don't want to go to work - don't. This is the problem with letting government run parks. Every government nitwit wants to be in charge of policy. The NPS already runs the parks for their benefit, not the benefit of the public. Tjis is just one more example...
I too work at the Grand Canyon, south rim! As an operator on the Grand Canyon shuttle buses I can tell you that the buses are crowded creating a breeding ground for viruses from all over the world! the Park Service has not approached us with any recommendations or assistance for keeping our drivers safe! Our Company, under the guidance and supervision of our operations manager has made the decision to limit the number of passengers to seated only! Honestly, not enough! I can just about guarantee we've already had infected individuals on board! The Park needs to show the same concern and good judgement towards its employees and residents that has been shown by other entities with far less volume! If the Park won't close then shuttlebus operations need to be shut down!
i'm hiking down tomorrow, am 69 and have, and continue to hike on and off trail in the Canyon for over 32 years and over 150 trips. This hike is a walk in the park, literally and figuratively.
I agree, we need to get outdoors. My family has been stuck inside the house for a little over a week now and it's been rainy and dreary almost every day which is actually causing us the symptoms of anxiety and depression that you've mentioned. We need to be able to move around outside. This mass panic is causing more harm than good. and stop hoarding everyone!!! Shop like normal people. The food isn't going anywhere!
There is an interesting dichotomy in thought when there is perceived panic, the "just a flu, bro" argument doesn't gel. it's not some apocalypse scenario but it has more ramifications than the flu and the statistics, as wishy-washy as they are show this. This is the reason some countries are more affected than others, they didn't practice quarantining in an effective manner compounded with closer living situations.
Regarding the parks, it's a gov institution and one size fits all. knowing there is an asymptomatic incubation period, due diligence would be to shut things down for a time. Obviously this will not and cannot prevent everything, but do you really want employees infecting each other? The telework is available for a lot of support staff. If you take an amalgamation of some common sense and good practices, you can avoid what I surmise will be many sick employees and labor shortage. I don't know why people are getting into such a contest about who is right; is it just a little 'ole flu or are we going to be in some Hollywood movie apocalypse.
This contest about who is right and "tough guys" has been a real detriment. Just close the damn parks, admin leave folks that can't telework, and bide the time until this blows over. You are supposed to take care of your people and the public. Moreover, this concern about mental health is really a symptom of the times - this is a curveball of life. We can't protect people feelings from everything beyond our control but we can protect employees and families health by exercising a little care and respect.
Now, off to work!