As everyone adjusts to social distancing related to the COVID-19 outbreak, getting outside and getting some exercise as still important to physical and mental health.
The National Recreation & Park Association offers some helpful guidelines for staying safe outside.
* Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene before heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer.
* Do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
* Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
* Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
* Note that trail and park users may find public restrooms closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
* Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
* Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.
