Washington campgrounds to close Monday in effort to stop coronavirus spread
Emma Epperly | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 9 months AGO
Washington state campgrounds will close this week to prevent the spread of COVID-19, while day-use areas and trails will remain open.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, along with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, announced all state campgrounds would close until April 30.
No new campers will be allowed into the parks starting Monday and current campers will be phased out.
Park officials encouraged people to practice social distancing when outside, including on trails and at public beaches.
“Due to the volume of people visiting Washington ocean beaches, we are asking the public to avoid those areas,” the agency’s news release read.
The closure applies to lands belonging to all three agencies. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is encouraging people using their land to bring their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, due to increased theft and vandalism.
ARTICLES BY EMMA EPPERLY
Two EWU football players removed from team, one charged in connection with thefts
An Eastern Washington University football player has been removed from the team after being charged with multiple counts of theft.
Yakima Diocese priest among those who've tested positive for COVID-19
A Yakima Diocese priest tested positive for COVID-19, the Grant County Health District announced Sunday.
Shadle Presbyterian holds 'drive-in' church Sunday to allow for worship amid coronavirus spread
Steve Lympus, lead pastor at Shadle Presbyterian Church in Spokane, realized after last Sunday’s worship service that it might be his congregation’s last for a while as the coronavirus spreads across Washington.