All Cape Lookout National Seashore visitor centers will be closed starting Thursday to help reduce transmission of the novel coronavirus, the park service announced Wednesday.
While the visitor centers on Harkers Island, Beaufort, Light Station and Portsmouth Village the Keeper’s Quarters Museum being closed until further notice, the islands of North Core Banks, South Core Banks and Shackleford Banks will remain open.
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Visitor activities, including ranger-led programs, guided tours, the public lighthouse climbing season originally set to begin May 13 are also suspended until further notice.
Restrooms will be open. National Park Service and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The National Park Service is following the most current guidance and data from the White House, CDC, the Office of Personnel Management, state and local public health authorities and the Department of Interior’s Office of Emergency Management, according to the announcement. U.S. Public Health officers assigned to the NPS are closely monitoring the situation and keeping staff informed. National Park Service facility closures related to COVID-19 will be posted on the NPS Public Health update page.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
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For more information and updates about Cape Lookout National Seashore, visit www.nps.gov/calo, or the park’s Facebook page.
