Grants, NM - The National Park Service (NPS) at El Morro and El Malpais National Monuments
is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 18, the visitor centers at El Morro and El Malpais National Monuments are closed until further notice. For now, trails and restrooms at both parks will remain open and may be used while adhering to the latest health guidance. The closure of the visitor centers also means closure of park stores, theaters, and museums. Until further notice, caving permits for El Malpais National Monument will not be issued.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners are our number one priority. The NPS is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates in future press releases, on our website, and Facebook.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting parks and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with El Morro National Monument Visitor Center at 505-783-4226 ext. 801, or visit us online at www.nps.gov/elmo or on Facebook, or the El Malpais NM Visitor Center at 505-876-2783, or online at www.nps.gov/elma or on Facebook.
Tags: covid-19
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
