Effective Date: November 18, 2020
Authority: Executive Order No. 20-65, ORS 433.441, ORS 433.443, ORS 431A.010
Applicability: This guidance applies to Outdoor Recreation Organizations. An outdoor recreation organization is an organization that provides group outdoor activities, including but not limited to hiking, backpacking, bird watching, spelunking, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing, golf, snowshoeing, ice-climbing and agritourism. Enforcement: To the extent this guidance requires compliance with certain provisions, it is enforceable as specified in Executive Order 20-65, paragraph 11.
Outdoor recreation organizations are required to:
- Review and implement Statewide Mask, Face Covering, Face Shield Guidance.
- Review and implement General Guidance for Employers.
- Limit parties to no more than six people.
- Prior to reopening after extended closure, ensure all parks and facilities are ready to operate and that all equipment is in good condition, according to any applicable maintenance and operations manuals and standard operating procedures.
- Prohibit parties from congregating in parking lots for periods longer than reasonable to retrieve/return gear and enter/exit vehicles.
- Reinforce the importance of maintaining at least six (6) feet of physical distance between parties on hiking trails, beaches and boat ramps through signs and education.
- Ensure compliance with the Statewide Freeze Guidance for Gatherings.
- Ensure that physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between parties is maintained at outdoor playgrounds, including splash pads.
- Encourage hand washing in and around an outdoor playground, including at splash pads. Hand sanitizer is effective on clean hands.
- Close licensed pools, licensed spa pools and indoor sports courts
- Close sandboxes
- Prohibit full contact sports in accordance with applicable (recreational, K-12, collegiate/semi-professional) sports guidance.
- Close hayrides and corn mazes.
- Thoroughly clean restroom facilities at least twice daily and, to the extent possible, ensure adequate sanitary supplies (soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer) throughout the day. Restroom facilities that cannot be cleaned twice daily should be kept closed or a sign should be posted stating that the restroom is unable to be cleaned twice daily.
- Frequently clean and disinfect work areas, high-traffic areas, and commonly touched surfaces in both public and non-public areas of parks and facilities.
- Post clear signs (available at healthoregon.org/coronavirus) listing COVID-19 symptoms, asking employees, volunteers and visitors with symptoms to stay home.
- Arrange or close common areas such as picnic tables not in shelters/structures, day-use shelters, and buildings open to the public so there is at least six (6) feet of physical distance between parties (chairs, benches, tables).
- Post clear signs (available at healthoregon.org/coronavirus) to reinforce physical distancing requirements between visitors of different parties.
To the extent possible, outdoor recreation agencies should, but are not required to: - Consider closing alternating parking spots to facilitate at least six (6) feet of physical distance between parties.
- Consider opening loop trails in a one-way direction to minimize close contact between hikers. Designate one-way walking routes to attractions if feasible.
- Encourage the public to visit parks and recreation areas during off-peak use times as defined and publicized by park or recreation area management.
- Encourage the public to visit parks and recreation areas close to home, avoid overnight trips and minimize travel outside their immediate area for recreation.
- Encourage the public to not travel outside of their home area.
- Consider opening private, municipal, county and federal campgrounds as long as physical distancing requirements can be maintained. Oregon State Parks may make a separate determination on opening state campgrounds depending on readiness, ability to maintain physical distancing requirements and consultation with the Governor.
- Consider opening skate parks as long as physical distancing requirements can be maintained.
- Encourage visitors to bring their own food, water bottles and hygiene supplies (including hand sanitizer), as well as to take their trash with them when they leave.
- Encourage the public to recreate with their own household members rather than with those in their extended social circles.
- Position staff to monitor physical distancing requirements, ensure groups are no larger than six people, and provide education and encouragement to visitors to support adherence.
3 OHA2342E11172020 - Provide handwashing stations or hand sanitizer in common areas such as picnic areas, day-use shelters, outdoor playgrounds and buildings open to the public.
- Consider placing clear plastic or glass barriers in front of cashiers or visitor center counters, or in other places where maintaining six (6) feet of physical distance between employees, volunteers and visitors is more difficult.
Additional resources: - Signs you can post
- Statewide Mask, Face Covering, Face Shield Guidance
- OHA General Guidance for Employers
- CDC’s Guidance for Administrators in Parks and Recreational Facilities
- Document accessibility: For individuals with disabilities or individuals who speak a language other than English, OHA can provide information in alternate formats such as translations, large print, or braille. Contact the Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY or COVID19.LanguageAccess@dhsoha.state.or.us.