News Release

Park Limits Staff To Those Performing Or Supporting Mission Essential Functions

Date: March 23, 2020
Contact: Jason Verhaeghe, [phone]

The health and safety of National Park Service (NPS) visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners is our number one priority.

As a public health precaution related to COVID-19, and as directed by national guidance, for the next fourteen calendar days Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is directing staff to telework. Administrative leave will be used for positions where and when telework is not feasible. A small number of staff performing or supporting mission essential functions will continue to work within the park and park offices.

On March 17th, the park temporarily closed all buildings to public access for the safety of staff and visitors and the community of Skagway. Today, that temporary closure extends to all public facing facilities, programs, and operations until further notice.

Where it is possible to adhere to federal, state, and local health guidance, outdoor areas of the park remain available to the public. When contemplating a visit to a national park, the NPS asks people to act responsibly with regards to CDC, state and local guidelines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Slowing the spread of novel coronavirus is everyone's responsibility. These measures include: practice social distancing; wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and, most importantly, please stay 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.

Remember that you don’t have to be in a national park to experience a national park! There are countless ways to #FindYourPark from home. Check out our virtual tours and Junior Ranger program at www.nps.gov/klgo.

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

– nps.gov/klgo –