North Carolina closes state park campgrounds and visitor centers due to coronavirus

State parks have joined the growing list of services suspending operations due to the coronavirus outbreak in North Carolina.

North Carolina officials announced early Tuesday that the state’s 34 parks, four recreation areas and three natural areas “will suspend public operations” starting Tuesday.

Park facilities -- including visitor centers, restrooms and campgrounds -- are closed, but trails will remain open to the public.

The National Park Service announced it is also closing visitors centers, picnic sites and camp grounds March 23 through April 30 in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitor centers are also closed at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Roads and trails in the national parks remain open.

The decision to close the state’s park facilities comes after the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced it would close public sites, including, museums and aquariums.

Some counties, including Mecklenburg, are closing parks that share grounds with a school.

As of Tuesday morning, at least 41 people have tested positive for coronavirus in North Carolina.

State health officials are urging people to avoid gatherings of more than 50 people. President Donald Trump on Monday advised against gatherings of 10 or more.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 7:16 AM.