National Park Service waives entrance fees during coronavirus pandemic

The National Park Service will not charge admission to its parks until further notice to give people a reprieve from their homes as they are urged to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’ve directed the National Park Service to waive entrance fees at parks that remain open. This small step makes it a little easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible National Parks,” Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in a statement Wednesday.

Outdoor spaces in the parks will be open to visitors, though many of the parks’ facilities will be closed.

The Department of Interior urged visitors to keep their distance from others and wash their hands frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping at least 6 feet away from others.

Even with public health experts and government officials warning about the need to keep a social distance, some employees of the National Park Service expressed concerns about large crowds at the parks.