Changes in Park Operations – Tuesday, March 17, 2020 – 11 am.
The following precautions are being taken due to the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19).
- As a public health precaution, Grand Canyon National Park Entrance Stations at Desert View and South Entrance, are self-service only for the safety of staff and visitors. Please use the self-pay machines in each entrance lane.
- Or, you can purchase a Grand Canyon National Park digital entrance pass on Recreation.gov before you arrive. You will have immediate access to your digital pass and can easily download it on your phone or tablet. https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/74282
- The following visitor contact stations on the South Rim are closed until further notice because of safety and health concerns:
Yavapai Geology Museum, Verkamps Visitor Center, Kolb Studio,
Desert View Watchtower, and Tusayan Museum - The Grand Canyon Visitor Center building is open from 9 am to 4 pm, however, it is self-service only – for the safety of staff and visitors.
- Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Park Store, across the plaza from the Visitor Center, is closed for health and safety concerns.
- Interpretive Park Ranger programs are canceled.
- Park film showings in the Visitor Center Theater are canceled until further notice.
- Desert View Watchtower Cultural Demonstrations have been suspended for the month of March.
- Grand Canyon National Park is focused on ensuring employees, their families, volunteers, and visitors are safe by following the most current guidance from the CDC, OPM, OEM, and other federal, state, and local health authorities.
- Grand Canyon National Park visitors can be assured that the facilities in the park, including lodges and restaurants, continue to monitor conditions and maintain high standards related to the health and wellness of staff and visitors. Park and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in accordance with CDC guidance.
Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus Social Distancing
In an effort to limit exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), on park shuttle buses, only passengers that can be seated will be allowed to board, regardless of the number of people waiting in line at a shuttle stop.
While this means visitors may have to wait longer at some of the bus stops, this practice allows greater social distancing between passengers as well as between passengers and drivers.
News Release from the National Park Service: Monday, May 17, 2020
National Park Service is Modifying Operations to Implement Latest Health Guidance >
National Park Service Public Health Service Officers Recommend that Everyone Should Take the Following Routine Precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use >60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or do so into your elbow. Dispose of the tissue and wash your hands again.
- In the office, keep 6 feet of separation between yourself and others to reduce the potential spread of infection.
- Use virtual tools instead of holding in-person meetings.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Most importantly, if you experience flu symptoms or any serious infection or virus, please stay home to avoid exposing others.
Taken from Grand Canyon alert page on Grand Canyon National Park Public Health Update page dated March 17, 2020.
For the latest public health updates from the National Park Service, go to https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/news/public-health-update.htm