Grand Canyon National Park
Key Messages – Week of March 22, 2021
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This week’s numbers at a glance:
- The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 479, down from 893 on average per day last week.
- As of Thursday, the total number of cases in the 86023 zip code since the pandemic began is 195. This number represents cases both inside and outside the park.
- There are no new reported cases in the park this week.
- Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 44 total positive COVID-19 cases in the park. To date, and as reported, none of the positive cases resulted from interaction with park visitors.
- More detailed statistics are available on the Coconino County COVID-19 Dashboard.
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Navajo Nation Implements “Soft Reopening”
- Last week, the Navajo Nation issued a new executive order transitioning from “red status” to “orange status.” This change in status is based off of the declining number of COVID-19 cases, testing availability, hospital capacity and bed usage, and contact tracing. It is important to note that this is not a full reopening; businesses are beginning to reopen with a 25% capacity limit in place along with mask wearing and other COVID mitigation measures.
- Under a separate “safer-at-home” order, the Navajo Nation will continue its daily curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) seven days a week and outlines revised provisions for gatherings.
- Not allowed in orange status are the following: youth programs, museums, flea markets, roadside markets, gyms, recreation facilities and movie theaters. Specific guidance can be found on the Navajo Nation website, and we will include additional information in our weekly wrap-up email.
- The Navajo Nation reports that they have administered more vaccine doses than there are people on the reservation.
- Grand Canyon National Park has no restrictions for park residents to come or go between the park and the Navajo Nation or any other locations.
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Governor Doug Ducey Issues Executive Order Easing Some COVID-19 Restrictions
- On Thursday, March 25, Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order easing some COVID restrictions across the state.
- However, the order continues to encourage following CDC and Department of Labor Guidelines for masking, physical distancing, and hand washing. It also allows businesses and organizations that serve the public to mandate COVID mitigation measures.
- Federal mask requirements are still in place in federal facilities and on public lands. Please visit the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium Summary for a list of locations where masking is required.
- We will have more information about the order in next week’s edition of the wrap-up.
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NEW Public Health Consultant Changes
If you test positive or become ill, please report your situation to your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant immediately. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure to the virus is minimized.
- Ronan King, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202) 891-8599
- Email: ronan_king@nps.gov
- For all email correspondence, please also cc: Chris Glime, Captain, U.S. Public Health Service
- Mobile: (202)641-3518
- Email: christen_glime@nps.gov
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This Week’s COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Coconino County and the State of Arizona are opening vaccinations to all persons 16 years of age and up. Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are only available for adults 18 and up. Pfizer vaccines are available to individuals 16 and up. There are vaccine appointments available at various locations throughout the county. The State and County continue to make significant progress in vaccine administration.
As of Tuesday, March 23rd:
- More than 128 million vaccine doses have been administered in the US.
- Approximately 25% of adult Americans have received 1 vaccine dose, and nearly 14% are fully vaccinated.
- Approximately 26% of Arizonans have received 1 vaccine dose, and 16% have been fully vaccinated.
- In Coconino County approximately 34% of the population have received the 1st dose, with 22% fully vaccinated.
- Approximately 43% of the population living on the Navajo reservation have been fully vaccinated.
As of Monday, there have been 1,327 vaccine doses administered at the Grand Canyon Clinic. The clinic anticipates administering 240, 2nd. doses next week. They have made changes to their website to allow the general public not previously in a priority category to make an appointment. Once you have registered, the clinic will call you to schedule your vaccination. Should you receive a call from 928-522-9400, this is the clinic calling to schedule your appointment.
- Please get the vaccine when it is available to you in order to protect yourself, your family and loved ones, and our community.
- Remember that even if you have been vaccinated, you still must follow CDC masking, physical distancing, and hand-hygiene guidance. Though your risk of contracting COVID-19 is significantly lowered after vaccination, vaccinated individuals may still contract or asymptomatically transmit the disease. Be vigilant to keep yourselves and others safe while we continue to work through the nation-wide vaccination process.
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COVID-19 Testing Details
- The Grand Canyon Clinic has hours for COVID testing on Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. If you need a test outside of this hour, you need an order from your health care provider indicating a test is warranted.
- In Flagstaff, COVID testing is available at Coconino Community College at 2800 South Lone Tree Road, and the NAU Fieldhouse at 1050 Knoles Drive.
- Testing is also available at other locations in Flagstaff, including:
- Walgreens on 4th Street
- NextCare Urgent Care
- The Veterans Affairs Clinic
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Messages and Grand Canyon News
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Multi-Divisional Yavapai Amphitheater Bench Installation
This week, the Grand Canyon Facility Management Division moved several benches from Mather Campground to the Yavapai Amphitheater. The benches provide new seating options for visitors who would like to sit down and enjoy the view. Within minutes of their installation, many visitors began utilizing them.
Jeremy Childs served a project manager and began the amphitheater rehabilitation project last summer when two seasonal interpretation rangers noticed several issues indicating disrepair.
Trails staff from FMD, Vegetation staff from SRM, and Interpretation staff worked closely together to create a safe, usable space accessible by all, for programs, picnics, or quiet contemplation. Within minutes visitors began using the space, sitting with loved ones and enjoying the view!
Further rehabilitation of the amphitheater might occur if planning and funding become available in the future.
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Donna Richardson Retiring
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Donna Richardson came to Grand Canyon National Park from Lowell National Historic Park in Massachusetts, where she began her career in 1986 working as a park ranger and left as the Chief of Interpretation and Education after 24 years.
She arrived at Grand Canyon in July 2010 as the Deputy Chief for Interpretation and Resource Education, moving from Deputy Chief to the Chief position when her predecessor retired in 2014.
Never wanting to see programs in need, Donna volunteered to be the acting Chief for Facilities Management in 2018, eventually being hired into the position as the permanent Division Chief.
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Donna’s willingness to take on new challenges is evident in that career switch, one that speaks to her care for people and places and to her devotion to the NPS. Donna worked on a number of significant initiatives over her years with the NPS, within her field of interpretation both at Lowell and Grand Canyon, and most recently as a member of the Grand Canyon management team working on the development of the administrative river framework. Donna retires after a 35 year career leaving a legacy for the park. We wish her, Mark, Jess and Jake all the best in their next chapter.
Thank you for your service, Donna!
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Kudos to Miranda Terwilliger and Michael Quinn for their work with other parks that have Condor populations and getting the content loaded on the new site.
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Marble Canyon Resort Receives Unanimous Support
is proposed for the Marble Canyon area near Lees Ferry and adjacent to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park.
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On March 9, the proposed development received unanimous support from the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. This development, once completed, would include shopping, grocery services, resort-style accommodations, employee housing, and expansion of the existing airstrip. The park has been and will continue to be engaged with county planners as this development moves forward.
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Women of Interior Featured in March DOI Connections Magazine
Connections is produced each month by a collaborative, multi-agency team of volunteer employees from throughout DOI. Click the link above or the cover photo image to explore the issue, which includes articles featuring Secretary Deb Haaland and other successful women throughout the agency.
The Connections team strives to foster an environment where all employees are respected, valued, accepted, appreciated and feel included. To find out more or to submit your ideas and suggestions for future issues, please contact editor Steve Carlisle at stephen_carlisle@ibc.doi.gov. Your input is always welcome!
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Current Operational Updates
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Social media photo donation by Shawn Butzin
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Desert View Accessibility
- The East entrance gate remains closed to through traffic on Highway 64.
- Desert View is currently accessible to visitors. Areas include the parking lot, paved trails, and the overlook.
- All facilities remain closed, including all facilities operated by NPS, Grand Canyon Conservancy, and Delaware North.
- Park residents are allowed to continue to come and go through the secured gates outside of the entrance station. If there is an issue with the combination lock at the gate, please contact dispatch immediately.
Weekly Concessions updates:
The following Concessions services will open next week:
- Hermits Rest restrooms will be fully open on March 27th.
- Maswik Food Court will open April 3rd.
- Desert View Trading Post and Ice Cream will open April 3rd.
- Desert View Gas Station will open April 3rd , offering Pay-at-the-Pump services only.
- Hopi House will expand operating hours from 9am to 6pm. The gallery will not open until 10am.
The following park closures remain in place:
- East Entrance gate
- Desert View services
- All residential areas
- South Rim Visitor Center and Headquarters
- South Rim Backcountry Information Center
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