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Reader Participation Day: Is Coronavirus Causing You To Rethink Your Park Escape?

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Published Date

March 4, 2020

Are you canceling your annual trek to the National Park System this year due to coronavirus?/Rebecca Latson file

If you haven't already made plans for your national park escape this year, you should be doing that now. Unless, of course, you've decided to skip the parks this year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The thought of sitting in an airliner for a few hours with other potentially sick passengers is always a concern, but the hype around the novel coronavirus adds to those concerns. And the thought of visiting a park that attracts a lot of international visitors might be concerning as well. So what are you going to do this year?

Around the National Park System, staff is approaching the current situation much as it does flu season.

"While there have been no identified cases of coronavirus in any national park, the NPS Office of Public Health and the U.S. Public Health Service officers assigned to the National Park Service are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed, relying on the most updated data and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," Park Service staff told Traveler late last month. "Parks are informed to follow CDC guidance regarding preventative actions to help prevent the spread of viruses, particularly during flu and respiratory disease season."

Of course, on the flip side, national attention and concern could make park lodging prices fall this summer if a great number of folks start canceling their trips, making a visit more affordable. That's definitely something to watch if you are flexible with your travel plans and are willing to go ahead with your vacation in spite of the coronavirus news.

But as of today, what are you thinking of doing?

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Comments

Submitted by Ted Schuldt on March 10, 2020 - 4:19pm.

Since I come by RV, I do not need reservations except for camping so can cancel at the last minute if needed. No plans to make changes for me.


Submitted by Brooke Parker on March 10, 2020 - 5:30pm.

I am leaving on a 3 week trip to some of the southern National Parks next Thursday. I am planning on living my life. Please don't close the parks.


Submitted by [email protected] on March 10, 2020 - 6:17pm.

Good for you! Get out there!


Submitted by [email protected] on March 10, 2020 - 6:19pm.

It's the other way around. I may not go overseas this year and will visit some new national parks.

I don't have years to waste.

Danny

www.hikertohiker.com


Submitted by Kodiak Skip on March 11, 2020 - 7:00am.

Planning a 3month camping trip starting in May. We will visit a dozen National Parks, 39 campgrounds in all, from the Smokies to Olympic! Life is mighty precious when there is less of it to waste..... Prefer to spend our lives living..... don't worry be happy!


Submitted by Daredevil Dixon on March 11, 2020 - 9:34am.

I have a tour to the Grand Canyon in April and was just sitting here debating whether to cancel or not.  Your post has encouraged me and we will go as planned.  You're right, this too shall pass.  Let's live now, thanks!!!


Submitted by Joanne on March 11, 2020 - 12:58pm.

I am sitting here debating what I should do. My 6 year old son and I are scheduled to leave on Saturday the 14th and visit Zion and Bryce Canyon till the 20th. Am just considered they will end up closing the parks. They just closed the Houston Rodeo of all things. SMH

Such a tough call....


Submitted by Karen T. on March 11, 2020 - 1:18pm.

Planning on visiting the Grand Canyon next month - taking normal percautions but not cancelling our trip.


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