Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19 title=
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19
COVID-19
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Source: City of Goleta

The City of Goleta is fortunate to have beautiful outdoor spaces that are providing places for our community members to get much needed mental and physical breaks. during the Stay at Home Order.  However, it’s important that our community practice social distancing even while using the City’s trails and open spaces.

Please follow important guidelines from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) below, and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

  • Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
  • Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
  • While on trails, warn other users of your presence as you pass, and step aside to let others pass.
  • Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
  • Consult local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.

As a reminder, to prevent further spread of COVID-19, access to the City’s play structures, exercise equipment and skatepark are prohibited.

The Stay at Home Order for California issued by Governor Newsom last week urges people to stay home as much as possible. People can go out for essential needs such as food, healthcare needs, caring for a relative or friend, and to get fresh air by going for a walk, run, or bike ride alone or with those you live with. Learn more about the Stay at Home Order here.

Outdoor areas are needed now more than ever to help us get through this time of uncertainty. Staff is working hard to maintain these spaces and keep them safe, accessible, and benefiting our communities during these challenging times. We are asking everyone do their part to use these areas in a way that respects each other and follows public health guidance. 

Learn more about how the City of Goleta is responding to COVID-19 at www.CityofGoleta.org. Please also visit the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department information portal for the latest information.

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sacjon
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Apr 07, 2020 11:13 AM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Thank you, Goleta! You see? I've been telling many here that it is perfectly legal, safe and allowed to go outdoors. Please get outside and get some air before we're no longer able to! Go outside, have fun, but be safe and smart. It's so easy to do this!

a-1586287405
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Apr 07, 2020 12:23 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Let's be real, it is absolutely in no way "perfectly safe". People need to stay much further than 6 feet away from each other when they are outdoors. Get outdoors, but stay off of narrow trails and out of crowded areas - no exceptions. People believing they are the exception is exactly what is spreading this virus.

sacjon
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Apr 07, 2020 12:44 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

12:23 - It IS perfectly safe it you use some simple common sense. Yes, stay further than 6 ft away, avoid narrow trails, etc. THEN it is 100% safe. Go to the beach, walk on the bluffs, play catch with your kids at the park - all of these are totally safe unless you are also running up to people for hugs or licking drinking fountains. My point is, and has always been, you can safely get outside and even meet friends outside at a distance and keep your sanity by getting air and seeing other people. Be safe and smart, it's SOOOOOOO easy!

sacjon
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Apr 07, 2020 01:20 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

PUG - right, but you CAN be 6 feet (more is better) away from groups from other households. For example, you can go to the beach and have your family set up and then a friend's family can be 10 feet away in their group. You can still wave to, talk to and cheers each other, just no close contact. It is legal and safe to see people from a distance. People need the social interaction, even if it's 10 feet away.

a-1586293208
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Apr 07, 2020 02:00 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

PUG - getting outdoors and some fresh air is 100% essential to most people. Even if there are people at the beach, it is the easiest place on earth to get away from groups and yes, you can even sit on the sand with your kids/family and just "hang out." It is safe if you use the most basic, common sense.

a-1586288709
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Apr 07, 2020 12:45 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I like the idea that if you are walking on a sidewalk that you walk in the direction of cars so that you never have people passing you when they walk in the opposite direction. It is what they did in Morro Bay. So walk down State Street on the right sidewalk and back up on the mountain side of State St.

PitMix
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Apr 07, 2020 12:45 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Just to clarify, wearing a mask has very little to do with you getting infected. Wearing a mask helps others because if you are infected, and in the early stages and asymptomatic, then the mask limits how far you are spewing droplets to infect other people. If you want to wear stuff to keep you from getting infected, you need the whole PPE outfilt- gown, faceshield or goggles, mask, and gloves. And even then it doesn't always work- just ask the health care workers that are infected.

Shmonk
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Apr 07, 2020 01:04 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

I literally just said to follow safe practices and recommended guidelines, yet you feel the need to reply to everyone on this website who doesn't unequivocally recommend to stay inside at all times. Again -- no need to respond if my words don't apply. Stay safe!

a-1586293358
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Apr 07, 2020 02:02 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

Coolio - exactly, that's the problem! Too many morons out there partying and not being smart. Those of us who want to run/walk/sit on the sand will be punished now. There is so much wide open area in our town, just be smart!

a-1586293981
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Apr 07, 2020 02:13 PM
Social Distancing on Trails and Open Spaces During COVID-19

There is NO need to close parks and beaches. I was at Girsh park on Saturday playing catch/hitting balls (whiffle and heavies) with my wife and kids and there were other individuals and groups of people (families) there too. We kept our distance (like 50 -100 yards) and easily did our thing safely. If you don't want to go outside, that is fine. But please don't force the rest of us just because you're incapable of being outdoors safely.

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