The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has revised is face mask policy recently, reminding all visitors, volunteers, and employees that a face mask is required to be worn at all Blue Marsh Lake facilities.
Masks must now always be worn when entering any building including the Visitor Center, comfort stations, and administration buildings.
The requirement complies with President Biden’s Executive Order on Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing, issued Jan. 20, as well as guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to official, masks must be worn outdoors on Blue Marsh Lake property and recreation areas if physical distancing cannot be met, such as when hiking on trails or visiting sites that may be popular or crowded.
Visitors actively engaged in water-related activities with a clear and immediate risk of masks becoming wet may temporarily forgo wearing masks.
These activities may include swimming, waterskiing, riding on personal watercraft, kayaking and other boating related activities that present a clear and immediate risk to the mask becoming wet. However, physical distancing must always be maintained whenever possible.
Areas where crowding impedes physical distancing will be evaluated for closure or modification of operating procedures to reduce impacts.
The Ranger staff asks visitors to assist in efforts by avoiding crowded areas and wearing masks. Park rangers are available to provide information, protect visitors and park resources, and to encourage compliance with this requirement.