Rocky Mountain National Park closed due to spread of coronavirus

Rocky Mountain National Park has closed until further notice due to the ongoing spread of coronavirus.

The park announced the closure Friday night and said it comes at the request of the local health department, per a news release.

The decision came after Estes Park mayor Todd Jirsa urged closing the park earlier Friday, fearing that traffic to the park would increase after the closure of ski areas and the waiving of National Park entrance fees, park spokesperson Kyle Patterson said.

Estes Park's first confirmed case was announced Thursday. Patterson said RMNP isn't aware of any cases being investigated or traced for possible connection to the park.

The closure is all-encompassing, with no access allowed to Rocky Mountain National Park. The park has worked with federal, state and local authorities during the coronavirus outbreak.

There is no estimated re-opening date for the park, which will provide updates via social media and its website.

The park closed several visitor centers and campgrounds on Thursday, and it also canceled any scheduled programs.

Yosemite National Park also closed on Friday.

There are 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Larimer County as of Friday.

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