(Audacy) — If you're looking to spend some time in nature at a U.S. National Park, make sure you bring a mask.
The National Park Service has reinstated its mask mandate at all locations across the U.S.
Visitors will be required to wear masks in indoor areas, shuttles and crowded outdoor areas, such as narrow or busy trails and overlooks, at all U.S. national parks. The rules apply to all staff and park guests, regardless of vaccination status or community transmission levels.
"Visitors to national parks are coming from locations across the country, if not across the world. Because of this, and recognizing that the majority of the United States is currently in substantial or high transmission categories, we are implementing a service-wide mask requirement to ensure our staff and visitors’ safety," NPS Deputy Director Shawn Benge said in a statement.
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The agency relaxed its policy in May, requiring only unvaccinated guests to wear masks. Now that COVID-19 cases are surging again, the mask mandate is back for everyone.
"Masking in addition to being vaccinated will help prevent the spread of new variants and protect those who are more at risk of severe disease," added Capt. Maria Said, an epidemiologist in the NPS Office of Public Health. "This simple act of kindness allows us to be safe while we continue to enjoy the benefits of our national parks."
The mask mandate will be in place until further notice.
