News Release

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Jason Verhaeghe, [phone]

As a public health precaution related to COVID-19, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is modifying operations, until further notice, for facilities and programs that cannot adhere to Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities, guidance to promote social distancing. Therefore, the park has temporarily closed all buildings to public access for the safety of staff and visitors, and the community of Skagway. As the situation evolves, the park will work alongside the Municipality of Skagway, in relation to COVID-19 related closures and operational guidelines. Additionally, the park will be reducing seasonal operations to limit the number of staff we invite into Skagway, to meet reduced visitor demand due to the delayed arrival of cruise ships, and to allow for social distancing/isolation of staff within limited park housing.

Where it is possible to adhere to social distancing guidance, outdoor areas of the park remain open and available to the public. Please enjoy the park’s many outdoor historic sites and hiking trails.

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 the NPS response to the coronavirus will be posted at http://www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

– nps.gov/klgo –