COVID-19: Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails. Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains. Share the trail and warn other t… — COVID-19: Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms. Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails. Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains. Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass. Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other persons at all times. Leave the trail or space if this is not possible. Source: National Recreation and Parks Association

The Mississippi River, parks, trails and open spaces serve as places where people seek recreation, relaxation and restoration, which studies demonstrate reduces stress and improves mental health.

The role of parks and green spaces as an essential community resource is visibly apparent as people flock to the outdoors during this time of closures and uncertainty. We encourage you to continue engaging with your local parks and connecting to the river, whether from the safety of your home or by following these safe social distancing practices outdoors:

Before:

Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms, including but not limited to fever, body aches, coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose and sore throat.
Use the bathroom in your home before heading out and bring your own water bottle. Some public facilities may be closed, and it is best to avoid them at this time if possible.
Try to avoid parks during peak hours. Parks are often less crowded in the morning or later in the evening.
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board closed off certain parkways and roads to vehicle traffic to allow more space for pedestrians and bicycles during this time. More details are available in the news releases: March 26 | March 27
Use this opportunity to get off the beaten path and explore a new local park or green space that is less popular. There are dozens of hidden gems tucked along the Mississippi River and in the Twin Cities area.

During:

Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from people who are not a part of your household. If this is not possible, find an alternate location or depart that space. Six feet is roughly the length of an adult bike, a park bench, a kayak paddle, or a bald eagle’s wingspan.
While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
Don’t congregate in groups on trails or paths. If you are walking in a group, make sure to leave enough room for others to pass.
Do not spit on trails. Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow if you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Because pet hair is porous and also fibrous, it is very unlikely that you would contract COVID-19 by petting or playing with other’s dogs in public. However, because animals can spread other diseases to people and people can also spread diseases to animals, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands before and after interacting with animals. Remember to maintain a 6 foot distance with humans outside of your household at all times. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association)
Going to a playground is allowed under Minnesota’s stay at home order. However, playgrounds by nature are designed to create social efficacy or cohesion and connection within a community. Families and guardians should be careful to ensure children wash hands before and after touching play structures, avoid touching their face, and maintain six feet of space from other children (source: MN Governor’s Office). Given the difficulty of following these guidelines, it might be best to avoid playgrounds for now.

After

Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to, during and immediately after use of parks or trails.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after you have been in a public place. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Sanitize your phone or other things, like bike or stroller handlebars, that you may have touched while out in public.

Source: National Recreation and Park Association

Safe Outdoor Social Distancing for COVID-19