What Animals Live in Shenandoah National Park

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The novel coronavirus has completely reshaped daily life for people effectually the globe. In addition to adapting to our "new normal" in the wake of the public health crisis, many people are also getting back into the swing of ordinary life to enjoy a flake of the familiar — and to take advantage of accordingly socially distanced activities, similar spending time outdoors. That includes visiting some of the country'due south well-nigh beautiful natural treasures: our national parks.

While it'due south relatively simple to exercise social distancing when y'all're camping or hiking, the influx of quarantine-weary travelers to parks across the country could make staying safety challenging. Fortunately, park officials have taken a number of helpful steps to ensure the safety and continued health of visitors.

What Precautions Have National Parks Taken?

The National Park Service (NPS) has been following CDC guidelines while also implementing phase-by-phase approaches to reopening, much like many individual states. Each park goes through a full evaluation and weighs several factors before committing to a reopening schedule or visitor limit.

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For example, some smaller parks that just offer bones activities, similar hiking or bird watching, were able to open before big parks with more than tourist attractions. These larger parks may also limit company capacities to aid reduce the take a chance of spreading disease. Activities may also be restricted even after the parks open up.

The NPS has encouraged visitors to take CDC-approved precautions, such as consistent handwashing, social distancing and avoiding public areas while feeling ill. Rangers and park staff are continuing to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves and others while performing their jobs. Additionally, park officials take instituted rigorous cleaning measures to assist keep invitee spaces rubber.

Even so, y'all should contact your local park earlier traveling to ensure it's open to visitors. This is peculiarly true if you're looking to have part in group-based park activities such as camping, kayaking, horseback riding or snorkeling.

National Parks Still Have Social Distancing Challenges

Despite the NPS's efforts, which even included the release of a dozen social distancing graphics to help potential visitors navigate changes to the parks, some visitors are notwithstanding likely to appoint in behavior that puts themselves and others at run a risk. You should yet be on the lookout man for unsafe situations.

You should bring PPE for yourself and your loved ones just in instance yous see a large group of people while out and about. Doing so is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy and safe during this time, no matter which park you choose to visit.

Considering that 52.ii million acres of land are devoted entirely to the NPS, social distancing should not be hard for almost campers and other park visitors — provided that they plan ahead. Go on in mind that fresh air and practise are both essential for maintaining a healthy heed and body, so visiting a national park can exist an excellent mode to relieve stress and tension while improving your overall fitness.

Are National Parks Safety?

The bottom line is that, while you should be careful when visiting national parks, they are safe. Nonetheless, information technology's easy to make such an experience dangerous both for yourself and others by refusing to follow CDC or NPS guidelines and recommendations. Be certain to follow best practices exactly as these groups have outlined them.

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Staying safe in a national park during the pandemic is similar to staying safe nearly anywhere else in the world. Y'all should exist aware of your environs at all times, avoid straying into restricted or dangerous areas and read all posted signs and notices. You should recall to stay far abroad from others at all times. Handwashing and PPE can help keep you lot and your community prophylactic during the pandemic. Be smart, and hopefully, the just thing you'll bring dwelling from your park visit is a heed total of happy memories and a smartphone full of pictures.