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More People In Arizona Parks Are Hurting Social Distancing Measures

As restaurants and bars remain shuttered and public health officials discourage group gatherings, Arizonans are flocking to the state’s parks. 

Now, some of those parks have been jam-packed with people — eliminating any benefit of social distancing.

Maricopa County Parks Director R.J. Cardin says park employees will be out to keep the crowds safely distanced — and this may lead to long lines for park visitors.

"As people are coming through the front entry gate, staff are reminding them to keep their social distance," Cardin said. "I think the word is getting out and to expect long lines when they come out to the parks, and also keep that good social distance."

Cardin says that, for now, there are no plans to close Maricopa County parks.

→  Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease  

Scott Bourque was a reporter and podcast producer at KJZZ from 2019 to 2022.