//National parks are open– but you should stay home

National parks are open– but you should stay home

As Covid-19 spreads, national parks are open– but you should stay home

Last week, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt directed the National Park Service to waive all entrance fees to the national parks that remain open during the Covid-19 pandemic. “This small step makes it a little easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible National Parks,” Bernhardt said in a news release. But though the parks may be open, many are urging would-be parkgoers to stay at home.

“It is irresponsible to urge people to visit national park sites when gathering at other public spaces is no longer considered safe,” Phil Francis, chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks told National Geographic. “We are concerned that the Secretary’s decision to waive entrance fees will lead to overcrowding and a greater risk to the health and well-being of our NPS employees and