Copper Center, AK - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, in response to guidance from the State of Alaska and Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) is announcing modifications to operations to support federal, state and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of March 26, 2020, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve will offer very limited services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. At Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with state and local health guidance: The Administrative Office in Copper Center, Alaska is closed to the public.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve 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 www.nps.gov/wrst and social media channels.
Outdoor spaces at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve remain accessible to the public where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance. If contemplating a visit to a national park during this pandemic, the NPS asks visitors to adhere to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health authorities to protect visitors and employees. As services are limited, the NPS urges visitors to continue to practice Leave No Trace principles, including pack-in and pack-out, to keep outdoor spaces safer and healthier. The NPS encourages people to take advantage of the many digital tools already available to explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
Please visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/wrst. or call 907-822-5234, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. to obtain information about the park. 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.
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Park Headquarters ~ Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy, PO Box 439
Copper Center, AK 99573
907-822-5234 phone
www.nps.gov/wrst
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Tags: coronavirus 19 operations wrangell-st. elias national park and preserve
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
