The cherry blossoms are in bloom at the Tidal Basin in the nation’s capital, which remains open despite the coronavirus pandemic.
But for revelers who brave the outdoors to take in nature’s beauty, they will notice new signs featuring “COVID-19 Safety” tips.
The National Park Service plans to place placards around the Tidal Basin reminding visitors: “please stay home if you feel sick”; “avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth”; “cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze”; “wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds”; and “practice social distancing.”
“Although the park is not closed, we encourage all visitors, particularly the most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with underlying conditions, to make smart decisions and to follow CDC guidance to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Mike Litterst, a spokesman with the NPS, told the Washingtonian on Tuesday.
There have been around 196,100 confirmed coronavirus cases around the world, 80,840 recoveries, and 7,860 deaths, according to the latest reading by the Johns Hopkins University tracker. In the United States, there have been 5,853 cases, 17 recoveries, and 97 deaths.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency last week, allowing the district to request federal funds to address the public health crisis further and giving the mayor the ability to order quarantines without the approval of a court.
President Trump declared a national emergency on Friday.
