Park Safety in Danville, California

One of the easiest ways to keep your mind and body safe is to remain physically involved. People can visit parks, trails, and open spaces in many areas as a way to reduce stress, get some fresh air, and keep healthy. While these facilities and areas can provide health benefits, to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, it is crucial that you follow the steps below.

Try to protect against exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that triggers COVID-19, by practicing social distancing and regular acts such as washing hands regularly and covering coughs and sneezes while visiting parks, beaches, or leisure facilities accessible to public use.

Check with the park or recreation area in advance for safe planning

• National, state or local parks: the federal or state authorities and local authorities will determine if parks and other recreation facilities will be opened. Check with the park in advance to make sure you know which areas or amenities are available, such as visitor centers, bathroom facilities, and concessions, and bring with you what you need, such as hand sanitizers or other items to ensure proper hygiene.
• Beaches or other swimming areas: State and local authorities will decide whether to open up swimming areas in oceans, lakes and other natural waters. For more information, like whether the water is open for swimming, please consult with individual beaches.

Visit the parks near your home

Traveling long distances to visit the park can contribute to the spread of COVID-19, as follows:

• Travel may require you to stop along the way or to be in close touch with others with whom you may not normally be in contact.
• You may also be exposed to surfaces infected with SARS-CoV-2, a virus that triggers COVID-19.

Wear a mask

• Please wear a mask as possible. Masks are most important in periods when social distances are challenging, including hiking on trails that may be popular or crowded.
• Masks are not to be put on:

• Kids under the age of 2
• Anyone who has difficulty breathing
• Anyone who is unconscious cannot move or otherwise be unable to remove the mask without assistance.

• Masks should not be worn when you partake in activities where the mask can become wet, including swimming.

Using social distances to avoid crowded parks

• Stay at least 6 feet from people you’re not living with (“social distance”) at all times. This could make certain open spaces, trails, and roads easier to use than others. Don’t go to a crowded place.
• Stop gathering people for whom you don’t live.
• Evite crowded parks. Don’t visit parks where you can’t stand at least 6 feet away from those you’re not staying with.

Wash hands often

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, eating, and blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Adults and older children who can properly use a hand sanitizer: use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rubs hands together until it is dry if soap and water are not readily accessible.

East Bay Parks issues rattlesnake advisory warning to park tourists

Upon arrival of spring weather, officials of the East Bay Regional Park District noted the re-emergence of snakes—most prominently rattansnakes—and released a safety warning to park guests.

According to park officials, when the weather is warm, snakes come out to explore their habitats, which can lead to further encounters with humans and dogs. There are however, some steps that can be taken to minimize the danger posed to hikers and snakes alike.

• Stop hiking on your own so that you can help in case of emergency—by local health orders, people can only walk with their immediate household members because of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
• Scan the ground in front of you as you walk, jog or ride. Keep on the trails and stop walking in the grass.
• Take a close look around and under logs and rocks before you settle down.
• Stop positioning your hands or feet where you can’t see clearly.
• Keep leached pets on designated trails and away from snakes if they encounter one—both dogs should be on leash at all times, in all parks during COVID-19.
• Bring a lot of water to yourself and your pets as a drinking fountain is temporarily closed. Many parks do not have a direct supply of water.