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Joshua Tree National Park now requiring masks under President Biden’s executive order

Face masks are now required in all United States national parks, including Joshua Tree National Park.

The mask mandate comes as a result of an executive order signed by President Joe Biden on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing.

The new policy requires mask wearing in National Park Service buildings and facilities and on park land when social distancing can't be maintained, "including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes," the announcement said.

Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent David Smith said despite the new rules, not much is changing. "Folks that were coming to the park, they came with masks already; they came to the visitor's center expecting to wear a mask already," he said.

"So long as you're away from folks – if you're in the back country, if you're out hiking, probably, you don't need a mask at all," Smith said. "It's good to always have one, of course, in case you do come across someone – put it on."

Joshua Tree is the second national park Abby Feinberg and Sam Gubernikoff have traveled to during the pandemic. They said it's one of the most Covid-compliant places to be.

"Everyone seems very respectful on the trails," Feinberg said. "If somebody's coming close, you just move aside or throw your mask on."

At its busiest, Joshua Tree can see up to 30,000 visitors in one day. But with a footprint about the same size as a small east coast state, there's expansive social distance, and new pandemic protective measures.

"We rely heavily on science and we know by using this silly thing right here, this mask, it goes a long way to protecting us," Smith said.

Park rangers are on duty to uphold all regular rules and regulations as well as the new mask mandate. They have the power to issue citations as they see appropriate to anyone in violation.

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Jake Ingrassia

Joining News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 as a reporter, Jake is excited to be launching his broadcasting career here in the desert. Learn more about Jake here.

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