SEDONA, Ariz (AP) — The Coconino National Forest is closing popular hiking trails and day-sites in the scenic red-rocks area of Sedona in north-central Arizona because of large numbers of hikers and a failure to practice social distancing.
Sites to be closed this weekend until further notice include the Bell Road,, Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Vista trailheads, forest officials announced Thursday.
The announcement said the closures were made in coordination with Sedona and Verde Valley officials concerned about the possible impact on local health and emergency services.
"We realize these popular destinations in Sedona are places people rejuvenate by getting outside and experiencing the beauty this area has to offer," said Red Rock District Ranger Amy Tinderholt. "However, the unfortunate reality at these locations during this pandemic has been continued high use, causing crowds to form and people lining up just to hike or get to the end of the trail.
"We will not keep trails and areas open that create environments for COVID-19 to spread easily, which negates the important practice of social distancing."
For most people, coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.
Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday defended his handling of the crisis amid criticism that he moved slowly to close businesses, shutter schools and restrict public gatherings to limit person-to-person spread of the virus.
"I'm looking at the facts in Arizona. I'm not in competition with any other governor in the country," Ducey said during a one-hour town hall broadcast on more than 60 television and radio stations statewide.
Ducey has faced mounting criticism for his broad list of "essential services" that can remain open despite his stay-at-home order that took effect Tuesday.
He said he's not recommending that people wear non-medical masks when out and about, as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti did this week.
"If there's federal guidance to wear masks, we'll put that out there," Ducey said. "Right now these masks should be reserved for the doctors and the nurses and the medical first responders on the front line."
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Popular Sedona hiking spots closed for lack of distancing - KVOA Tucson News
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