As the State of California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting Californians from COVID-19 (coronavirus), California State Parks is monitoring the situation and implementing safety measures to prevent employees, volunteers, partners and the public from exposure to the pandemic disease.
State Parks has taken various proactive efforts, including the development of a COVID-19 Resource Center. This online resource serves as a one-stop center to find park safety and closure information, and messaging and graphics from the “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” social media awareness campaign. Please check this webpage regularly, as it will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
The department is monitoring the coronavirus situation closely and is following guidance provided by the Governor’s Office via the California Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
State Parks Safety Measures
To date, State Parks has proactively taken the following steps in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic:
- Closures
- ALL 280 State Parks Temporarily Closed to Vehicular Traffic
- Parks Temporarily Closed to the PUBLIC
- High public-use indoor facilities––including museums, visitor centers and cafés––have been closed until further notice.
- All campgrounds across the state have been closed until further notice. All current reservation holders affected by the temporary closures have received a notification from ReserveCalifornia of their cancellation and refunds will be provided.
- Social distancing advisements: Public health officials are advising the public to walk, run, hike and bike in their local neighborhoods and walk to parks. Most importantly, the public is being asked not to congregate in the outdoors. Everyone has the responsibility to “Flatten the COVID-19 Curve at Parks” by maintaining a social distance of 6 feet or more when recreating in the outdoors and staying home if they are sick. If visitors cannot maintain social distancing, they need to leave the park.
- Additional cleanings of public-facing facilities: Public-facing facilities, such as restrooms, are being cleaned more frequently per recommended protocols. Additionally, employee offices and facilities are being disinfected before and after work for use by essential employees.
- Cancellation of events: All events being held in the State Park System have been cancelled until further notice. Additionally, no new event cancellations or requests to postpone already-approved events will be accepted at this time.
What Is Open in Our Parks
With the exception of closed parks, non-campground outdoor areas of parks, including trails and beaches, remain open. Day-use restrooms also remain open, and visitors are advise to bring soap for handwashing and to use alcohol-based sanitizers when water is not available.
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