GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston Island State Park will be temporarily closed for about two weeks after a park employee tested positive for coronavirus, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed.
The closure immediately went into effect Saturday, and officials said it will remain closed until July 9.
Guests who have overnight and day-use reservations during this period will be notified about refunds and reservation transfer options.
The following statement was posted on the TPWD website:
“The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has learned that an individual at Galveston Island State Park has tested positive for COVID-19. At this time, out of an abundance of caution, the park will close immediately and will reopen for overnight and day use reservations on July 9, 2020. Guests with overnight and day-use reservations through July 8, 2020 will be notified about refunds and reservation transfer options.”
The beach side of the park has been closed for months for an ongoing construction project, department officials said.
The closure does not effect county- or city-managed beaches in Galveston.
In April, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reopened state parks for daytime use with special guidelines for park visitors. He later announced those with pre-existing reservations could do overnight camping.
Texas COVID-19 guidelines strongly encourage guests to wear masks, visitors must social distance and groups larger than five people are not allowed unless they are members of the same household.
MORE LOCAL NEWS ON KHOU.COM
- Fort Bend County DA reviewing animal cruelty case involving ‘Bella,’ German Shepherd seen in viral video
- What do to after COVID-19? Guidelines for returning to work
- Respiratory therapist back home from the COVID-19 frontlines: 'it’s a tricky virus,' 'wear your masks'
- Clerk missed getting shot by just 'inches' before returning fire, killing would-be robber: HPD