Key West, Fla. - Dry Tortugas National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to provide for the safety of visitors and park staff. Dry Tortugas National Park has closed the campground and the campground restroom on Garden Key until further notice. Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, park waters, Loggerhead Key, Garden Key with Fort Jefferson and the harbors will remain open at this time. No restrooms or visitor services are available. The visitor center and bookstore remain closed. Visitors to the park should be self-sufficient.
Dry Tortugas also offers a variety of digital materials on the park’s website and videos on YouTube. Follow @DryTortugasNPS on social media for continued education and updates.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Dry Tortugas National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (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 on our website and social media channels.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park 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 individual parks for specific details about park operations. For refunds on programs or reservations please contact the concession or park partner directly.
For more information and updates about the South Florida NPS sites, visit the individual websites. Links to social media can also be found there.
Big Cypress National Preserve - www.nps.gov/bicy
Biscayne National Park - www.nps.gov/bisc
Dry Tortugas National Park - www.nps.gov/drto
Everglades National Park - www.nps.gov/ever
Tags: coronavirus covid-19 closure closures
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
