ST. GEORGE — Zion National Park no longer requires visitors to don masks on its shuttle buses or in its buildings.
“Masks are optional on park shuttles as well as in park buildings and public spaces,” Jonathan M. Shafer, Zion National Park public affairs specialist, said.
The park’s action follows a ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle in Tampa, Florida, who said the Center for Disease Control and Prevention exceeded its authority in extending the mask mandate into May, according to the Associated Press. Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh confirmed this Tuesday at the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting in St. George.
The CDC’s mask rule originally was set to expire Monday but was extended to May 3 by the CDC so health officials had more time the study a new COVID-19 variant called BA.2 Omicron.
The Judge’s ruling overturned the federal mask mandate on airplanes and public transportation. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced they would no longer enforce masks on public transportation.
“Due to today’s court ruling, effective immediately, TSA will no longer enforce its Security Directives and Emergency Amendment requiring mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs. TSA will also rescind the new Security Directives that were scheduled to take effect tomorrow. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at this time,” according to the TSA website.
And while Zion National Park will not require masks on shuttles and in buildings, the National Park Service reminds visitors to remain vigilant as COVID cases continue to be reported.
“Visitors and employees are always welcome to wear a mask if it makes them more comfortable,” the NPS said. “Updates will be posted on individual park websites and in parks to help you plan your visit.”
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