Observing COVID-19 related behaviors in a high visitor use area of Arches National Park.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Visitation to parks and protected areas is a common COVID-19 coping strategy promoted by state and national public health officials and political leadership. Crowding and congestions in parks has been a perennial problem and the ability to socially distance within them is an unproven assumption. Is it possible to socially distance in a busy national park that has been designed to concentrate use?

Methodology/principal findings

An observational study was conducted in July 2020 at the outside foyer of the Visitor Center of Arches National Park. Motion sensor cameras were placed to record one-minute videos when a person entered the field of view. Number of groups, group size, facial coverings and encounters within 6 feet (1.83 meters) of other groups were recorded.

SUBMITTER: Miller ZD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7899324 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature