How to Exercise, in Parks and on Trails, Safely During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Recommendations for outdoor exercising in parks or on trails, always observe social distancing minimums
As long as you are feeling well it can be good for you to get outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine to exercise during the coronavirus outbreak. However, to keep yourself and other outdoor recreators safe there are a number of specific recommendations that everyone needs to observe when using your local parks or trails.
- Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to 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 or more 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
Other important guidelines are: go out solo or with only one other person and try to visit areas that are not crowded or go at times of the day that tend to be less crowded.
And please, always remember to not go anywhere to exercise if you feel sick!