Lawmakers Press for Mask Requirement at National Parks

House Democrats sent a letter to the Department of Interior (DOI) Secretary David Bernhardt urging him to better protect National Park Service (NPS) employees by enforcing mask-wearing and social distancing as visits to parks soar amid the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, due in large part to current DOI policy, many NPS employees have returned to work, putting them at increased risk of exposure to coronavirus when they interact with the public,” wrote lawmakers on the House Natural Resources Committee, including Chair Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.). “The current practice of relying on passive signs to encourage mask use and social distancing is not enough.”

The letter also requests that DOI share agency plans for complying with CDC guidelines and documents outlining its rationale for not requiring masks by Aug. 31.

NTEU continues to advocate for the health and safety of NPS employees and park visitors. When the pandemic began, the union successfully pressed for the closure of the Washington Monument visitor center and continues to help individual employees with safety concerns.