New signs are up throughout the park in the following locations: Visitor Center patios, breezeway, statue, sidewalk to upper monument, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Kelp Forest Overlook, and tidepools at both ends of the Coastal Trail. I’ve attached the sign here so you can all be familiar with what it says about requiring masks.

If visitors ask you about it, here is a talking point that can be used, but we are not expecting you to contact maskless people for your safety:

The NPS expects everyone who works in or visits national parks to wear a face mask outside on NPS-managed lands where physical distancing cannot be maintained and in all federal buildings. Park rangers are on duty to uphold normal rules and regulations as well as this requirement and may issue citations as appropriate for anyone in violation.

Volunteers are NOT expected to enforce the mask requirement. Why?

Enforcement is a role for the law enforcement rangers. We are now over 10 months into the pandemic, so it is rare that any visitors will be surprised about a mask mandate or have genuine questions about why they need to wear a mask. 

What can you do? 

We are asking volunteers to protect themselves and set an example for visitors by wearing a mask and steering clear of any visitors who are not wearing masks. You do not need to engage with them and if anyone tries to argue with you it’s okay to walk away. We want your time at the park to be safe and enjoyable, and arguing with a maskless person is neither safe nor enjoyable!

COVID-19 Self-Screening

Please remember to do a self-screening before coming to work your Low Tide or Roving shift (see steps below).  Email cabr_volunteers@nps.gov that you have completed your self-assessment (keep in mind you do not have to share your responses to the self-assessment just that you have completed it). 

1. Have I had any recent known potential exposure (household contact or close contact within 6 feet) to anyone with COVID-19 infection? If your answer is yes, you should stay home until 14 days after the last exposure, maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others at all times, and self-monitor for symptoms* including taking your temperature twice daily.

2. Have I had COVID-like symptoms* or fever (temperature of 100.4°F or higher) within the last 72 hours including today? [Note: Check for fever before entering the park.] If you answer, “yes”, do not report to the park. Contact your Volunteer Coordinator to cancel your shift. Utilize the CDC Self-Checker and follow up with your healthcare provider as needed.

3. Did I develop COVID-like symptoms* or fever during the day while working? If you develop fever or other symptoms during the workday, go home immediately. Contact your Volunteer Coordinator, isolate yourself, utilize the CDC Self-Checker, and follow up with your healthcare provider as needed.

* Symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or at least two of the following: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.

As always, thank you for everything you do for Cabrillo National Monument!!