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Idaho State Park campgrounds closing Friday to fight COVID-19 spread

Posted at 6:52 AM, Mar 26, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-26 08:52:57-04

BOISE, Idaho — In keeping with Gov. Brad Little's stay-at-home order, Idaho State Parks will end camping on Friday, March 27 at 5 p.m.

Officials say parks will remain open for day use recreation.

Campgrounds will remain closed until May 15 and no new camping reservations will be taken.

According to Parks and Rec officials, the closure could be extended depending on the status of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Besides the stay-at-home order, reasons for the closure included concern over a lack of social distancing and out-of-area visitors that could increase virus transmission,

Despite the closed campgrounds, officials say outdoor activity is encouraged, but urge people to recreate close to home and to practice social distancing.

In addition to the closure, Parks and Rec will suspend recreational education programs for boating and off-highway vehicles.