Click to view entire image

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is closing due to the coronavirus pandemic/NPS

The battle against the spread of coronavirus has reached Wilson's Creek National Battlefield in Missouri, which will close to the public on Saturday. Also closing Saturday will be Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, also located in Missouri, due to the pandemic.

"This closure will include the visitor center and other public facilities, the battlefield, trails, and tour road," a park release from Wilson's Creek read. "The emergency closure is for the maintenance of public health and safety and is in direct response to guidance from state and federal health officials."

Not everyone is obeying such closures. Staff at Buffalo National River in Arkansas, which closed to the public a week ago, had to issue a reminder of that closure Friday because "some have continued to attempt to get out and about in the park."

"This closure includes the Buffalo River, trails, open spaces, and campgrounds," a park release said. "All facilities are closed, including restrooms, river access points, and trailheads. This emergency closure is for the maintenance of public health and safety and is in direct response to guidance from state and federal health officials. ... Slowing the spread of novel coronavirus is everyone's responsibility. Buffalo National River is dedicated to doing its part."

Everglades National Park in Florida has had to deal with boaters who have ignored closure and social distancing directives.

"Despite clear guidance on social distancing from the CDC, as well as from state and local governments, we've observed too many boaters not abiding by these measures and congregating on and around North Nest Key in Florida Bay," the park said in a Facebook post on March 27. "As a result, North Nest Key and all waters within 100 yards from the shore will be closed to all public entry beginning March 28 at 6 a.m., until further notice. These closures are needed to ensure public safety due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to be consistent with the latest guidance from federal, state, and local public health authorities."

"We encourage members of our community to take this health pandemic seriously and to refrain from gathering elsewhere. Stay home, practice physical distancing, and save lives." -- Everglades National Park.

On April 5 the park again reminded its Facebook following to practice social distancing.

"Just a reminder to our boaters that all recreational vessels must be at least 50 feet apart, and each recreational vessel must not have more than 10 people on board in Everglades National Park as well as in state waters," the post said. "We are supporting Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Executive Order NO. 20-09 to be consistent with enforcing federal, state and local public health guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19."