Grand Canyon National Park
Key Messages – Week of July 26, 2021
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We are seeing increasing numbers of new COVID cases across the Country, State and County.
- According to the CDC, Coconino County has been in “Substantial”Community transmission since July 15, which means that there are more than 50 new cases per 100,000 residents.
- The rolling 7-day average for Arizona is 1,332 new cases per day, with over 1000 new cases reported daily.
In the United States, the Delta variant represents about 83% of new infections. So far, unvaccinated people represent 97% of severe cases.
- Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said last week that in Arizona, 95 percent of the reported cases in the month of May were among those not fully vaccinated. So far since March, 98% of the COVID-19 deaths in Arizona were among those not fully vaccinated.
- Vaccine protection against the Delta variant remains very strong against severe disease and helps prevent hospitalizations caused by any version of the coronavirus. Those most at risk are still the unvaccinated.
- As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccination will help prevent you from getting COVID-19 and is the safest way to build protection. Vaccination also helps protect those who cannot receive the vaccine or who are ineligible to receive the vaccine. If you haven’t done so already, consider vaccination to help protect your loved ones and those around you.
The Grand Canyon clinic is reporting that vaccine demand continues to decline and no-shows for vaccine appointments remain a problem.
- Last week 60% of the scheduled doses had to be wasted due to no-shows.
- If you have scheduled a vaccination, please make every effort to honor your appointment.
- Due to the decline in demand, the clinic will begin scheduling vaccines every other Thursday.
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Masks Now Required Indoors
On July 27, 2021, DOI released updated mask guidance for federal facilities. These are significant changes and will affect our operations going forward.
Effective immediately, Grand Canyon managers are requiring all employees, concessionaires, partners and visitors, even if fully vaccinated, to wear a mask while inside federal facilities. Please read the following guidance for more information on what this means at Grand Canyon:
- In areas of substantial or high community transmission (which Coconino County currently falls under) federal agencies must require all Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, to wear a mask inside of Federal buildings.
- Grand Canyon is going back to guidance similar to what we followed in March 2021:
- Masks must be worn inside all government buildings, including federally owned buildings operated by stakeholders and partners, regardless of vaccination status.
- Masks are required in government vehicles when travelling with multiple employees, even for those who are fully vaccinated.
- Managers and employees should utilize the CDC COVID Data Tracker website daily to determine whether we are located in substantial or high community transmission.
- Federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors who are not fully vaccinated also need to continue to wear masks and physically distance consistent with CDC guidance.
- We will work to post signs and information online making clear what masking requirements apply in our facilities as soon as possible
In the coming days, we expect to receive additional information regarding the updated CDC guidance. We will keep you informed as additional information is released.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we make these changes. Please reach out to the Office of Communications or the Office of the Superintendent if you have any questions.
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Public Health Contacts
If you test positive for COVID-19, immediately inform your supervisor and our NPS Public Health Consultant. This is to ensure proper public health protocols are followed and that any exposure 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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COVID-19 Testing Details
- North Country HealthCare at the Grand Canyon Clinic provides comprehensive medical services to residents, seasonal workers and visitors. Services include primary care, urgent care, pharmacy, physical therapy and virtual visits. Summer clinic hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Symptomatic COVID-19 testing is available by appointment.
- The Grand Canyon Clinic is still providing vaccinations by appointment every other Thursday. Please call (928) 638-2551 to schedule your vaccination.
- The clinic also has testing available Wednesdays 11 a.m. to noon.
- In Flagstaff, COVID testing is available at Coconino Community College at 2800 South Lone Tree Road, the NAU Fieldhouse at 1050 Knoles Drive and many other locations around town.
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Messages and Grand Canyon News
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Preventative Search and Rescue Statistics
data from Meghan Smith, PSAR Coordinator
Grand Canyon National Park maintains an effective and robust Preventative Search and Rescue program (called PSAR), to educate and prepare visitors for their adventures. The goal of PSAR is to promote safe recreation and help visitors avoid situations where they may need help. For example, Grand Canyon PSAR rangers may engage with visitors at trailheads to talk through their plans for the day and make sure they know where they’re going. PSAR staff check that hikers have sufficient water and supplies for their adventure, and instruct them to take breaks often and recognize signs of heat stress or exhaustion. This year, many of our search and rescue events have made the news. But have our numbers increased? Not by much. Here are the stats:
- We are up 25% in total SAR calls for 2021.
- We average 16 fatalities per year and we are at 14 this year (both rim/medical and SAR related).
- We have had 84,271 PSAR contacts, 12,546 Preventative Actions, and 284 hiker assists.
If you’d like to help the PSAR team, regardless of the way you are contacting visitors, (whether on the phone, in person, or working on social media outreach) please keep the messaging positive. Give hikers tips on what they “can do”; it is less effective to tell people what they “can’t do.”
Offer smart alternatives and suggestions for what one should do if they get into trouble. Visit the Hike Smart website for additional tips. Don’t gatekeep, keep dialogue open, and let them know that we want them to have a great experience during their visit to Grand Canyon.
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Grand Canyon Village Victim Advocate Position Now Available
Coconino County Victim Witness Services is advertising a job for a Victim Advocate stationed in Grand Canyon Village. Victim Witness Services offers compassionate support to victims, witnesses and survivors of crime and trauma through effective response and community outreach.
For more information about the position visit the Coconino County Victim Witness Services website. Housing in Grand Canyon Village may be available. Questions?
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World Ranger Day July 31
On July 31, the park will celebrate World Ranger Day. World Ranger Day is commemorated worldwide on July 31st to commemorate rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. Be on the lookout for NPS-wide messaging on our social media pages.
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California Condor Chick Confirmed!
A new condor chick, now named #1114, has been confirmed on the west side of the Battleship visible from Hopi Point. Mom and dad can be seen flying in and out of the nest feeding the little one, who likely hatched around April 26. This is another testament to the success of the reintroduction of the condor to Grand Canyon: Chick #1114 is the 16th chick to hatch at Grand Canyon since 2003. Learn more on the Grand Canyon website. Stock NPS Photo, 2009
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Screening Day for Downwinders at Grand Canyon Clinic August 18
If you lived in Nevada, Utah, or Arizona in the red counties during the 1950s and/or 1962, you may be eligible for a free medical screening at the clinic.
When: August 18 (appointments available from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Where: North Country HealthCare – Grand Canyon (1 Clinic Rd, Grand Canyon AZ 86023)
How: To learn more or schedule, call the clinic at 928.527.9427
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Current Operational Hours
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South Rim
- Maswik Lodge Cafeteria: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Fountain and Coffee House, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-10 p.m.
- Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 6 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli-7 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Bright Angel Bikes, Rentals: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Cafe: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Kolb Studio: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Grand Canyon Visitor Center information table NPS staffed 8a.m.-5p.m. daily
Desert View
- Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Watchtower, staffed by GCC 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Desert View Information Table, staffed by NPS. The table is located on the north side of the main parking lot, in front of the building on the left side of the Orientation Plaza. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily.
- Desert View Campground is open. Reservations can be made via www.recreation.gov.
North Rim
- Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk, NPS staffed from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
- North Rim Visitor Center, GCC staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- North Rim Lodge dining, 4:30-9:30 p.m. daily
- Deli in the Pines, 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
- Rough Rider Saloon, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
The following park closures remain in place:
- South Rim Visitor Center (indoors), information table staffed 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily
- Headquarters Information Desk
- Yavapai Lodge Restaurant
- Maswik Pizza Pub, Arizona Steak House, and Fred Harvey Burger
- Xanterra bus tours (suspended)
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Photo courtesy of Joe Dawson
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