3 more national parks close to prevent coronavirus spread

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By BRADY McCOMBS

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Three more of America’s most popular national parks have closed their gates as pressure mounts on superintendents to prevent crowded trails that could lead to more spread of the coronavirus even as the Trump administration sticks to its decision to waive entrance fees at the parks.

Glacier in Montana and Arches and Canyonlands in Utah announced their decisions to close Friday night just days after several other well-known parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Teton and the Great Smoky Mountains did the same.

Visitors travel to Arches and Canyonlands to hike red rock trails that lead to picturesque rock arches and canyons located just outside the small tourist town of Moab, Utah — where city leaders and regional health leaders this week sent letters to the National Park Service pleading for the closure of the parks. The health department had already banned local hotels from allowing tourists to stay after seeing continued crowds in town and the parks even as the virus spread across the United States.

In a tweet announcing the closures, Arches and Canyonlands said the decision to close was made in response to local health officials.



File-This photo taken June 3, 2016, shows tourists lining up for photos at Delicate Arch in Arches National Park near Moab, Utah. Utah's five national parks remain open but are adjusting their operations to stay within the public health guidelines for social distancing, even as three of the nation's most popular parks shut down Tuesday due to the coronavirus. (Ravell Call/The Deseret News via AP, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/9cea10d86ecd951dcc2896e1c0531322

[iluvtennis]

1. At one of the "campaign rally" pressers last week, trump & pence were touting that national parks

were open with free admissions and encouraging folks to partake of the national parks.

You can't make this stuff up.

[IronLionZion]

2. All closed around DC

I just wanted to drive by and see the outdoors without getting out of the car. But I guess everyone had the same idea so police blocked off access roads for every park, monument, and outdoor tourist area today.

And my favorite taco shop went out of business. #FirstWorldProblems. If I survive this thing I'm going to have a massive bucket list of places I want to see and visit.