The global pandemic brought upon by COVID-19 have radically change our lifestyle and how we interact with our surroundings. Commercial and Recreational areas are no longer crowded nor buzzing with activity as there were periodic lockdowns and stay at home orders.
We see rules and protocols on social distancing and limiting on-premise capacity in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 across public areas, recreational areas and various indoor or outdoor parks.
If you are an administrator or an owner of public or commercial recreational facility, take note of the Center for Disease Control’s resource in managing parks and recreational facilities.
Reducing the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19
- The more an individual interacts with people he or she doesn’t live with and the closer and longer each interaction is, the higher the risk is of getting infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
- The higher the level of community transmission, the higher the risk of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading during park operations. In some communities, it may not be possible for the public to safely visit parks, trails, and open spaces due to the level of community transmission; this, combined with areas conducive to larger numbers of people congregating, increases individual risk. In these cases, encourage community members to consider safer alternate activities, such as having a picnic with members of their household in their backyard or virtually visiting National Parks through the National Park Service Find Your “Virtual” Parkexternal icon.
Lowest Risk:
- Parks and trails allow for social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals or household groups.
- Staff and visitors stay at least 6 feet away from people they don’t live with.
- Tourist attractions (e.g., monuments) are open only without overcrowding and allow for social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals or household groups.
- All staff and visitors wear masks, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Park staff clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs or handrails) and shared objects between uses or on a frequent schedule with EPA approved products.
Moderate Risk:
- Parks and trails are open with partial modifications to allow for social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals or household groups in some areas.
- Tourist attractions (e.g., monuments) are open with partial modifications and messaging to avoid overcrowding and to allow for social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals or household groups.
- Some staff and/or visitors wear masks.
- Park staff clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared objects more than once per day, but less frequently than between each use with EPA approved products.
Highest Risk:
- Parks and trails are open at full capacity with no modifications to allow for social distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals or household groups.
- Staff and visitors from different areas* with varying levels of community transmission are less than 6 feet away.
- Tourist attractions (e.g., monuments) are open at full capacity with no modifications or messaging to avoid overcrowding or allow for social distancing.
- No masks are worn.
- Park staff clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared objects once per day and may or may not use EPA approved products.
Post information to promote everyday preventive actions.
- Park administrators should consider displaying posters and signs throughout the park to frequently remind visitors to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These messages should include information about:
- Staying home if you are sick or do not feel well, and what to do if you’re sick or feel ill.
- Using social distancing to maintain a distance of 6 feet between others in all areas of the park.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow. Used tissues should be thrown into the trash.
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub hand together until dry.
- Young children should be supervised to ensure they are using sanitizer safely.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Using masks. Masks are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult. Masks should not be placed on:
- Babies and children younger than 2 years old
- Anyone who has trouble breathing
- Anyone who cannot remove the mask without assistance
- For parks that allow dogs or have dog parks, walk dogs on a leash at least six feet away from others who do not live in your household. Masks should not be placed on dogs, as it could harm your pet.
If you’re a commercial space owner, a business owner or a community manager who are looking to establish a playground, iREC, a playground manufacturer can assist and deliver an detailed playground plan. Contact iREC today: Call us at +63 047 250 2779 / +63 047 251 3139 or email sales@irec.ph to get in touch with our sales team.