"House Democrats are questioning the Trump administration over its plan to reopen 'as rapidly as possible' certain national parks that closed amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, President Trump said his administration would begin to reopen national parks and public lands. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in a tweet that the president told him to “promptly restore access to our magnificent national parks.”

Critics have expressed concern that allowing crowds to gather at the parks could contribute to the spread of the coronavirus.

Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee questioned the Interior Department in a Monday letter about its timeline and criteria for opening parks and public lands."

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill April 27, 2020. [2]