Grand Canyon Times

As of the beginning of March, the outdoor mask requirement has been lifted at Grand Canyon National Park.

Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable decided to lift the mandate after the National Park Service updated its masking guidelines to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) new COVID-19 Community Levels tool, which will leave prevention methods largely in the hand of local officials. As such, masking requirements for each park will vary with the new guidelines as conditions allow, however masks are still required in government buildings and all forms of enclosed public transportation. 

“Widespread availability of vaccines, testing, advances and treatments and increasing levels of immunity in the population through the vaccines or previous infections have moved the COVID-19 pandemic into a new phase,” Grand Canyon Deputy Superintendent Brian Drapeaux said in a recent release. “While we can’t prevent all cases of COVID-19, we can limit the spread and protect those who are at most risk of severe illness.” 

Outdoor sandwich board signs have been taken down at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza, Mother Point and Hopi Point. The signs left over in the historic district, Desert View Watchtower area and all shuttle bus stops and entrance stations, also have been removed. 

More information about Grand Canyon National park, its policies and procedures may be found here.