Refuge reports on current mask policy
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge recently reported that in areas of substantial or high community transmission, agencies must require all federal employees, onsite contractors and visitors — regardless of vaccination status — to wear a mask inside of federal buildings. COVID data is rising sharply in Lee and Collier counties, according to the CDC data tracker. The refuge is, therefore, in an area of “high community transmission.” Visitors are required to wear a mask in the refuge’s federal buildings, which include the free Visitor & Education Center, America’s Best Restroom, Tarpon Bay Explorers’ shop and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge onsite Nature Store. Masks are not required outdoors, unless social distancing cannot be maintained, including on tram, boat and other tours. For more information, visit https://www.dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/covid-19/.