National Park Service to waive entrance fees at open parks to aid social distancing

Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt has directed the National Park Service to the waive entrance fees at all national parks that remain open during the coronavirus pandemic in an effort to aid public social distancing.

"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.

"Our vast public lands that are overseen by the Department offer special outdoor experiences to recreate, embrace nature and implement some social distancing."

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.

Chair Phil Francis of The Coalition to Protect America's Parks argues that "to suggest to the public that gathering at national park sites is acceptable ... is irresponsible to the visiting public and employees."

"National parks welcome visitors from around the world," Francis writes. "Many National Park Service employees interact with members of the public daily."

Comments

Dozens killed after gunmen attack Kabul ceremony

The Taliban denied responsibility for the attack on the gathering marking the anniversary of the death of Abdul Ali Mazari, an ethnic Hazara leader who was killed by Taliban fighters in 1995 after being taken prisoner [Anadolu] The death toll in an attack on a Kabul ceremony marking the anniversary of a slain minority leader has risen to 27, a ministry of health spokesman said on Friday. "Twenty-seven bodies and 29 wounded transported by ... ambulance so far," Wahidullah Mayar, the health ministry spokesman, told Reuters, adding that the number could increase. Gunmen attacked the ceremony in the Afghan capital where a top Afghan political leader, Abdullah Abdullah, was present but escaped unharmed. "The attack started with a boom, apparently a rocket landed in the area, Abdullah and some other politicians ... escaped the attack unhurt," Fraidoon Kwazoon, Abdullah's spokesman, was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency. President Ashraf Ghani cond

How firms are stamping out fake goods with high tech labels

Every working hour, about 80,000 bottles of beer are processed through the East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) production line at the Ruaraka factory. An almost equal number of cans is processed on a parallel line. However, not even one of the bottles or cans can leave the factory before it has been affixed with the Kenya Revenue Authority’s excise duty and the Kenya Bureau of Standard stamps. Each of the two security stamps tells a story; one says that the brewer has paid excise tax while the other assures consumers that the quality of the product has been tested and certified as fit for human consumption. One has an implication on public good while the other has direct import on public health and safety. These twin messages are at the very heart of every security stamp affixed on any product made or sold in Kenya. The stamps, just like the security marks affixed on identity cards, passports, title deeds and other important documents as well as products meant for publ

Ighalo among loanees in limbo after corona pandemic halts season

London, Monday The January transfer window brought with it hopes of a fresh start for players and clubs who had struggled to make their mark in the first half of the season. A host of high profile names completed temporary moves as they sought to impress both their parent clubs and new employers ahead of potential summer moves. But none of them had expected a global pandemic to block their path as they dusted down their boots and prepared to inject new life into their careers. Odion Ighalo There’s nothing worse than watching a Hollywood story unfold in front of your eyes and then being denied the ending. Ighalo, a childhood United fan, completed a shock loan move to Old Trafford on deadline day having spent the previous two years playing his football in China. Ighalo made it out of China and just before the country put in place a lockdown to halt the spread of coronavirus, while the striker didn’t travel to United’s winter training camp in Spain in case he wasn

Hairdresser creates a barrier between her clients by cutting arm and eye holes in an UMBRELLA, as she attempts to continue working during the coronavirus pandemic

A hairdresser who has continued working during the coronavirus pandemic has gone viral for wearing an umbrella to separate herself from clients. The Dutch stylist who works at Bella Rosa salon in Oss, north of Eindhoven, Holland, created a makeshift shield from an umbrella in a bizarre attempt to help stop the spread of COVID-19. She cut two holes for her arms to go through and cut a client's hair using disposable gloves. The hairdresser completed her homemade protective wear by adding holes to the umbrella to see out of. Countries across Europe have shot down hair and beauty salons, and there is no evidence that the The clip has gone viral across social media, racking up over 82,000 shares on Facebook alone. In one clip, she included the caption: 'This is not going well' Laughing can be heard in the background. She then had to cut a third hole to thread another customer's eyebrows. The woman carried out the treatment by holding thread i

ONTIMENEWSKENYA

Search This Blog