News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 18, 2020
Contact: BG Horvat, 252-838-8906

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – – Cape Lookout National Seashore, including the islands of North Core Banks, South Core Banks, and Shackleford Banks, remain open at this time. However, in an effort to help protect our visitors, employees, and our partners reduce transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), all visitor centers (Harkers Island Visitor Center, Beaufort Visitor Information Center, Light Station Visitor Center, Keeper’s Quarters Museum, and Portsmouth Village Visitor Center) will be closed starting March 19, 2020 until further notice. Visitor activities, including ranger-led programs, guided tours, the public lighthouse climbing season (originally set to begin on May 13) are also suspended until further notice.

The NPS is focused on ensuring our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners are safe by following the most current guidance and data from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), state and local public health authorities, and the Department of Interior’s Office of Emergency Management. U.S. Public Health officers assigned to the NPS are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed. NPS facility closures related to COVID-19 will be posted on the NPS Public Health update page (www.nps.gov/coronavirus).

Restrooms remain open currently and NPS and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in accordance with CDC guidance.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.

For more information and updates about Cape Lookout National Seashore, visit our website: www.nps.gov/calo, or the park’s Facebook page.