YOSEMITE — Yosemite National Park (YNP) has announced modifications to its operations at the request of the local health department as of 3 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020; the park is now closed to all visitors until further notice, with restrictions enforced 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The park remains open for entry daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. to employees, residents, and property owners who can provide proof of residence/ownership; and the south gate will be closed for entry of any person from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Yosemite’s visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many digital tools already available in order to explore the park while under quarantine. Guests can learn about park resources and history through multimedia presentations on the park’s website, or in place of traveling in-person to Yosemite, visitors are welcome to download the park’s free App and enjoy Yosemite National Park through webcams and other wonderful resources available for all ages.
The health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Yosemite National Park is the number one priority, according to park officials. The National Park Service (NPS) is continuing to work with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. NPS will notify the public when the park resumes full operations, and will provide updates on their website and social media channels in the meantime.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This is possible 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 any kind of sick.
In high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying health conditions, we ask that you take extra caution and follow CDC guidelines for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Updates about NPS operations will be posted on their website. Please check with Yosemite’s NPS page for specific details about the park’s operations.