Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Ute Lake State Park in Logan closed Wednesday after several employees displayed coronavirus-like symptoms.
New Mexico State Parks posted Tuesday night on its Facebook page the park would be "temporarily" closed Wednesday.
“State Parks staff continues to manage facilities in line with the public health order. Please check back soon for updates,” the post stated.
Susan Torres, public information officer for the state’s Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, clarified in an email Wednesday afternoon what prompted the closing.
"On Tuesday during routine screening at Ute Lake State Park, some employees reported a high temperature and were immediately sent home," Torres wrote. "The Park was closed out of an abundance of caution for the public’s safety, and Park facilities are now undergoing a thorough cleaning. Ute Lake State Park staff are being tested for COVID-19, and all safety protocols are being followed.
"New Mexico State Parks Division did not want to cause unnecessary alarm in the community as we await test results. Additional information will be provided when it is available and we hope to safely welcome the public back soon."
No one answered the phone to Ute Lake State Park’s office Wednesday morning. A recorded message said the park was temporarily closed and that state parks “continues to manage facilities in line with the public health order.”
Ute Lake State Park and other state parks for months have been open for day use only during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overnight camping remains closed, and a July 31 memo stated many state parks “are currently operating under reduced hours and days of operations.”
The state last month also forbid out-of-state visitors from going into its parks.