As you all know, the Ontario Public Health Regulations regarding COVID-19 are being eased as of Monday, January 31, 2022, which includes the ability to return to larger group hikes of up to 25 in the outdoors. The Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc., however, still wishes to restrict participation in group hikes to fully vaccinated (preferably including the booster) individuals and to give priority to Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association members.
Carpooling remains “tricky”. However, we believe that we can support carpooling as follows: Max of 4 people per car
Mask wearing
Windows cracked
All fully vaccinated
To improve ventilation, consider using the vehicle climate control system and the car windows to improve fresh air intake/air circulation. Increased airflow can reduce contaminant buildup. Avoid using the recirculated air option.
Some hikers may still feel hesitant to drive with others, and others may still feel hesitant to share their car or may want to limit passengers to one person only in the back seat. Let’s be sensitive to these concerns and leave it up to the individuals to decide what they are comfortable with.
And lastly, space permitting, fully vaccinated non-members may participate in our group hikes; hike leaders should have them fill in the Waiver of Liability and Assumption of Risk, as posted here. On the form, non-members need to provide their contact information and emergency contact name and number. (Members already confirmed that they read and will abide by the terms and conditions listed on the waiver when they renewed their membership or signed up for a new membership.)
Thank you all for your cooperation. Happy Winter Hiking!
Frieda Baldwin
President, Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.