Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 20, 2020
Contact: Dave Neudeck, Communications and Marketing Director, 804-786-5053, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov
Virginia Cave Board discourages caving during COVID-19
RICHMOND — The Virginia Cave Board released a statement, citing Governor Northam’s Executive Order Sixty-One, discouraging caving during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement cites likely breaks in social distancing guidelines and potential for human-to-bat transmission of COVID-19 among other hazards present in caves and during caving.
While the executive order eases restrictions on campgrounds and other businesses, social distancing guidelines are still in place and must be maintained. Caves, in their nature, have poor ventilation and tight, enclosed spaces that make compliance with these guidelines difficult among members of a caving team.
The statement cites the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has temporarily closed access to caves on agency land due to the possibility of human-to-bat transmission of COVID-19. The Cave Board references the concerns of scientists with the U.S. Geological Survey that “sustained infections could develop in wildlife populations that would harm wildlife and/or create a wildlife reservoir for the human pathogen’”
While DGIF does not have regulatory jurisdiction over non-agency lands, the agency, along with the Virginia Cave Board, strongly discourages caving at this time.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms that COVID-19 is readily transmitted by airborne particles from an infected person who coughs, sneezes or even talks while in close proximity," Cave Board Chair Daniel H. Doctor said. "Groups of people need not put themselves at risk in the enclosed space of a cave at this time."
The full statement is available at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/cavehome.
The Virginia Cave Board was established in 1979 to conserve and protect the state’s caves and karst landscapes, and to advocate for the wise use of cave-related resources. Its members are appointed by the governor. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation provides staff support to the board through its Division of Natural Heritage.
For the most up-to-date information regarding closures and available recreational opportunities, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov.
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