NEWS RELEASES
Editor's Note: This news item was retrieved and first published through CNN's website.
The National Park Service will be waiving entrance fees at all national parks that remain open during the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to aid public social distancing. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt issued the order to National Park Service. "This small step makes it a little easier for the American public to enjoy the outdoors in our incredible National Parks," Bernhardt said in a news release Wednesday.CNN writer, Paul Leblanc, covers in his article, "The step comes as more than 7,500 people have been infected by the virus in the US, and at least 125 have died. In response, states are ordering new shutdowns and restrictions every day and public health officials are encouraging the public to stay home and practice social distancing to contain the spread of the virus." Still, while the National Park Service has temporarily closed some parks, the vast majority remain fully or partially open -- though "many facilities will be closed." In an open letter released earlier this month, an organization representing National Park Service retirees called on the agency to introduce broader closures to protect the staff and the public.To read more on the National Park Service, click here.