News Release

Congaree National Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 18, 2020
Contact: Greg Cunningham

Hopkins, SC – Congaree National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 18, the Harry Hampton Visitor Center is closed and all programs are cancelled until further notice. Longleaf and Bluff Campgrounds will close at noon on Friday, March 20, 2020. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park grounds remain open, including restrooms, all land and water trails, and the picnic shelter.

Park staff will continue to engage visitors via the park’s official website and social media sites:
www.nps.gov/cong · www.facebook.com/congareenp · www.twitter.com/congareenps · www.instagram.com/congareenps

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Congaree National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the 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 channels.

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, and 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.

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