News Release

Denali to Require Masks as of July 8, 2022

Date: July 7, 2022
Contact: Sharon Stiteler, 907-683-9583

Beginning Friday, July 8, Denali National Park and Preserve will be requiring all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks while inside any federal building within the park or while riding a park bus, except in the Walter Harper Ranger Station in Talkeetna. This decision has been made based upon Department of Interior policy which requires federal agencies to institute mask mandates within federal buildings when the COVID-19 community level reaches HIGH in the surrounding area, per CDC guidance. This week, the COVID-19 Community Level was reported as HIGH for both the Denali Borough and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

During this time, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops, and restaurants. This policy also applies to all park buses operated by the park concessionaire, Doyon/Aramark Joint Venture, and includes all park courtesy shuttles, as well as the transit and tour buses.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.