What to do when so much shuts down? Some head outdoors amid coronavirus outbreak

As coronavirus continues to spread, some people are finding comfort in exploring public lands.

Theme parks, restaurants, music festivals, national monuments and more have all been shut down as COVID-19 spreads across the U.S. Many have had to cancel vacation plans and change their expectations for travel.

Most of America’s national parks, however, are open, and could even be some of the safest places to take a trip.

The National Park Service said in a news release Sunday that officials are responding to the pandemic, and most national parks are open.

“Park and concession staff are working to maintain clean and healthy facilities in parks in accordance with CDC guidance,” the National Park Service said in the news release.

In California, more people are going to many public and private campgrounds, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“I think people want to avoid airports and they want to get away from cities, and camping is a way to do both,” Nick Devane, founder and chief executive of a company that rents camping vans, told the newspaper.

Stan Smith, mayor of Springdale, Utah, home of Zion Canyon, told The Salt Lake Tribune that he isn’t worried about international travel restrictions because he expects people who are looking to “revamp their spring travel plans” to head outdoors.

“Visitors can be assured that facilities at Zion, including the shuttle buses, lodge and restaurant, are being monitored,” park spokeswoman Aly Baltrus told the Tribune. “Specifically, we are monitoring conditions and maintaining high standards related to the health and wellness of staff and visitors.”

This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 1:37 PM with the headline "What to do when so much shuts down? Some head outdoors amid coronavirus outbreak."