News Release

National parks in the national capital area modify operations to implement latest health guidance

Date: March 20, 2020
Contact: Jonathan Shafer, 202-619-7186

Washington, DC – National parks in the greater Washington area are modifying their operations to promote social distancing and implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities.

Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park open spaces and facilities will remain open. However, most indoor locations, including park visitor centers and historic sites, are closed. Visitors are advised to check park websites for the most up-to-date information.

You can enjoy parks virtually by visiting National Park Service (NPS) websites and social media.
Check out:
 

• BloomCam, a live webcam overlooking the Tidal Basin made possible by the Trust for the National Mall, NPS and the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
• This crash course on the 19th Amendment (it’s Women’s History Month!).
• Virtual tours and 3-D visualizations of Monocacy National Battlefield structures.
• An online story map about the history of Arlington Memorial Bridge.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers and partners is the NPS’s number one priority. The NPS is working with 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.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting parks and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. You can do this by:
 

• maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other people.
• 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.
• staying home if you feel sick.   

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, please take extra precautions and follow CDC guidance.   

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

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.