News Release

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance

Date: March 17, 2020
Contact: Lauren Gurniewicz, 2105348875

San Antonio, Texas – San Antonio Missions National Historical Park 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 17, the park Visitor Center at Mission San Jose and the visitor contact stations at Missions Concepcion, San Juan and Espada, are closed until further notice. All ranger-led tours and special public programs have been canceled. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, National Park grounds are remaining open from sunrise to sunset, the exception is Mission San Jose which will continue to be open from 9 am – 5 pm daily. Public restrooms will continue to be open during normal business hours. Park rangers will engage with visitors outside per social distancing guidance. Visitors can also continue to interact with park staff online through the park website, www.nps.gov/saan, and on our social media.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Mission Heritage Partners and Western National Parks Association 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 the 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.