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Glacier National Park has re-instituted a mask mandate inside federal buildings, like visitor centers.
While many commenters bemoaned the decision on social media, park officials say it鈥檚 from federal guidance handed down by the National Park Service and the Interior Department. When the a high level of COVID-19 community spread around a park, requires indoor mask requirements to come back.
鈥淚n our situation, Glacier National Park covers two counties. If either one of those counties hit 鈥渉igh鈥� then there鈥檚 protocol that we follow that includes whether or not you have to wear masks,鈥� said Gina Kerzman, a public information officer with the park.
鉂桵ask Mandate鉂�
— Glacier National Park (@GlacierNPS)
Due to current, high COVID-19 community levels, masks are now required for all people entering federal buildings in Glacier National Park, regardless of vaccination status. We would like to thank our visitors for their patience and commitment during this time.
That happened last week in Glacier County, Montana, which includes part of the park and much of the Blackfeet Reservation.
鈥淚f the levels go down, then we hope to rescind the mask mandate. But we鈥檙e just ready to respond according to our protocols,鈥� she said.
Other national parks could bring back mask requirements, too, if rates increase around the West.
However, some reported COVID-19 infections are likely undercounted because many vaccinated people are having milder symptoms and at-home tests are easier to get.
Kerzman says from what park staff can tell, with or without a mask mandate, it will still be a busy year with vehicle reservations selling out daily.
She added that the mandate may prompt changes to park programming, including some activities having limited numbers or moving outside.
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