The National Park Service on Tuesday implemented a mask mandate across all of its sites and facilities, including trails and other outdoor attractions where visitors are unable to maintain social distancing.

The move comes a year into the United States battle against the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far killed more than 445,000 Americans and infected more than 26 million, and is part of broader efforts by the Biden administration to slow the spread of the disease. It supports the executive order that President Joe Biden signed his first day in office requiring Americans to wear face coverings on all federal property.

Getting outside and enjoying our public lands is essential to improving mental and physical health, but we all need to work together to recreate responsibly, Capt. Sara Newman, director of the NPS Office of Public Health, said in a statement.