Following the July 27 Department of Interior updated mask guidance for federal facilities, the National Park Service is making immediate changes to mask policies including the Grand Canyon.

According to an NPS memo, “Effective immediately, Grand Canyon managers are requiring all employees, concessionaires, partners and visitors, even if fully vaccinated, to wear a mask while inside federal facilities.”

The rules outlined in the memo include:

•             In areas of substantial or high community transmission (which Coconino County currently falls under) federal agencies must require all Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask inside of Federal buildings. 

•             Grand Canyon is going back to guidance similar to what was followed in March 2021.

•             Masks must be worn inside all government buildings, including federally owned buildings operated by stakeholders and partners, regardless of vaccination status. 

•             Masks are required in government vehicles when travelling with multiple employees, even for those who are fully vaccinated.

•             Managers and employees should utilize the CDC COVID Data Tracker website daily to determine whether we are located in substantial or high community transmission. 

•             Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors who are not fully vaccinated also need to continue to wear masks and physically distance consistent with CDC guidance.

The NPS will work to post signs and information online making clear what masking requirements apply in its facilities as soon as possible.