News Release

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

NPS

News Release Date: March 19, 2020

Contact: Visitor Center, 541-987-2333

Kimberly, Oregon – John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 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 20, 2020, the Thomas Condon Paleontology and Visitor Center at John Day Fossil Beds is closed.  Park restrooms, trails, and overlooks will remain open.

To explore the park virtually, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/joda and our social media channels on Facebook facebook.com/JohnDayFossilBeds, Twitter @JDFossilBedsNPS, and Instagram @jdfossilbedsnps.  

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument 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.