COVID – 19 GANARASKA PROTOCOL UPDATE – June 9, 2021
This will update our Covid-19 protocol to take into account the new Provincial guidelines going into effect June 11, 2021. We will now be able to offer hikes of up to 10 persons, and of course we are not restricted anymore as to how far we may travel (within the province) to get to hikes. Otherwise the Covid-19 protocol remains the same as before (see May 22, 2021 update)
COVID – 19 GANARASKA PROTOCOL UPDATE – June 4, 2021
On June 2, 2021, the provincial government officially lifted the Stay-at-Home order. For the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association, Inc, this means that we are no longer limited to travel within 30 minutes of our municipality, and in fact are able to travel province-wide now. All other aspects of the protocol remain as they were, posted in the May 22, 2021 update below.
Carol Strickland, for Frieda Baldwin, President, GHTA Inc.
COVID – 19 GANARASKA PROTOCOL UPDATE – May 22, 2021
On May 22 at 12:01 the province will permit outdoor gatherings of up to 5 persons. This means that as of Saturday, we can again offer local (within 1/2 hour) hikes of up to 5 persons, if leaders are comfortable to do so. It is still necessary to maintain physical distance of 2 meters, and if that is not possible, wear masks and resume physical distancing as soon as possible. It is a good idea to carry a mask in your pocket in case of emergencies, such as tending to a wounded hiker, etc. Hikers should pre-register to prevent over-booking of hikes, and if two or more hikes go from the same place, they should be staggered in their meeting times by 1/2 hour minimum. Car-pooling is still not permitted, except with members of your own household. If you should be self-isolating because of symptoms or exposure to someone suspected of having Covid-19, please do not attend a hike.
We will continue to advise of changes in the Ganaraska Hiking Trail Association Inc.’s Covid-19 protocol as the changes happen.
Enjoy the new season.
Carol Strickland, for Frieda Baldwin, President, GHTA Inc.
Updated April 16, 2021
HIKING SAFELY DURING COVID-19
This is to update the GHTA Inc. Covid-19 policy, in light of this afternoon’s announcement, for changes to go into effect 12:01 Saturday, April 17, 2021.
As outdoor gatherings are now prohibited except for between members of the same household +/- one member of another household who lives alone, all Ganaraska hikes are now suspended. We are told that the current Stay at Home orders will extend to at least May 20, 2020.
We will update members as the situation changes.
We hope that you are still able to get out into the woods once in a while – the wildflowers are really springing to life right now with the warm spring and rains. Stay safe.
Carol Strickland, for Frieda Baldwin, President, GHTA Inc.
Updated April 1, 2021
To keep yourself and others safe and healthy, please follow these guidelines:
- Do not join hikes outside your municipality/region.
- Hike leaders will collect emergency contact before starting the hike.
- Stay home if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if you are unwell.
- Group hikes are currently restricted to 5 people to permit social distancing, even if regional guidelines allow larger public gatherings.
- Carpool to group hikes only with people in your bubble.
- Practice Physical Distancing. Keep 2 metres apart from anyone not in your bubble. Move aside to allow others to pass.
- Masks are not required on hikes except when you cannot maintain a 2 metre distance.
- Do not expect public washrooms to be open.
- Hikers should carry their own basic first aid materials, such as bandaids, tick removers, etc.
Above all – enjoy yourselves. We are lucky to be able to go out and hike safely!