The East Bay Regional Park District is reminding park users to carry cloth face coverings and wear them when within six feet of others, including when hiking, running and biking. It’s part of the latest public health order issued in five Bay Area counties last week.
While those headed outdoors for exercise are not required to wear them while properly social distancing, the public health order recommends that all engaged in outdoor recreation bring a face covering and wear them in circumstances where it’s difficult to comply with social distancing requirements.
“Visitors should carry cloth face coverings with them when in Regional Parks and wear them whenever six-feet social distancing cannot be maintained,” said Park District General Manager Robert Doyle.
Those engaging in strenuous exercise that causes heavy breathing are encouraged to keep further distance when possible.
Local health agencies are also recommending that those doing strenuous exercise keep further distance when possible.
For children, parents and caregivers should closely supervise the use of face coverings to avoid misuse. The “Cover Your Face” order does not require face coverings for children aged 12 years or less, and children two years or less should not wear face coverings because of the risk of suffocation. Additionally, people from the same household are exempt from needing to wear a cloth face covering when within six feet of each other.
Some East Bay parks and park areas remain closed. For up-to-date information about COVID-19 park-related closures, visit www.ebparks.org/coronavirus.
