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Pennsylvania to reopen golf courses, marinas, private campgrounds May 1

Starting Friday, May 1, golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds may reopen in Pennsylvania, officials said Monday.

The businesses will be required to follow updated life-sustaining business guidance and the FAQ issued by the Wolf Administration to resume activities while prioritizing public health and safety. Campgrounds in state parks will remain closed through May 14.

“Pennsylvanians have remained resilient throughout this COVID-19 crisis, and as we successfully continue to flatten the curve to protect our physical health, it is critical that we also focus on our physical and mental health during these extraordinary times,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “As the weather warms and daylight lengthens, enjoying time outdoors is an important way to manage stress. As we start to take measured, limited steps to reopen our commonwealth, reopening these industries will help to rebuild our economy and strengthen our mental health.”

According to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45 percen of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over covid-19, with the burden likely to continue even as the pandemic’s threat diminishes, state officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on visiting parks and recreational facilities to ensure the safety of individuals and families engaging in outdoor activities, and adherence will help slow the spread of covid-19:

  • Stay close to home: Pennsylvanians are encouraged to enjoy permitted outdoor recreational activities within their community and avoid crowding popular destinations.
  • Practice social distancing: Maintain the recommended minimum six feet apart from fellow recreationists. Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to wear a mask or protective garment that covers the nose and mouth any time they go outside. If a parking lot at a park is full or there are too many people on the same trail, find an alternate place to recreate. Cross the street to avoid running directly past another runner or wait longer at a golf hole for a fellow golfer to move forward.
  • Minimize risk to others: Individuals should only go out if they feel healthy and have not been exposed to someone who has tested positive for covid-19.
  • Practice good hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as doorknobs and handrails.
  • Have a plan: Create a safety plan before heading outdoors. Explain to children the need to keep their distance from others, even if they happen to see a friend while outside. Discuss with partners, social distancing while on the golf course. Think through how to avoid other runners when waiting to safely cross a street at the same time.

“Practicing social distancing takes a little planning and patience but it is necessary if we want to continue to flatten the curve while ensuring that Pennsylvanians have opportunities to de-stress and get exercise,” Wolf said. “Finding the balance between enjoying the outdoors and staying safe is only possible when all Pennsylvanians are abiding by the same precautions.”

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4 Comments

  • Dan you’re not wrong. 3 months ago what would you have said if I said the govt will force private businesses to close, prevent people from leaving their house or going to visit family and friend under penalty of arrest, and force you to wear a rag around your face or face arrest? You would have said I’m crazy. Who’s to say that a slippery slope of virus police and detention camps are not going to be the next step?

  • Karen you’re so right. The media controls everything and have turned us into a country of mindless sheep. Viewership and ad revenue have doubled or tripled (its the only thing to see on TV or web). They want this crisis to continue AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. And these rich power hungry politicians and job for life government employees play right into it. And the sheep of America allow it to happen. Livelihoods are destroyed. People are arrested and taken to jail. Where does it end? Forced testing? Literal in house confinement enforced by soldiers? Detention camps? Don’t laugh…theyre already talking about setting up special “hospitals” just for Covid patients.

  • Nearly 1.25 million people are killed in car accidents each year. That means, on average, auto accidents cause 3,287 deaths per day. An additional 20-50 million people are injured or disabled.
    We are now going to BAN CARS…
    This is one Destructive Administration. Ask Yourself, WHY?
    He’s literally Destroying the lives of 12 million people of Pennsylvania. Something is so WRONG with this picture. While all around the World places like Italy, the U.K., Spain are all Opening they’re Economies.

  • So maybe Hairdressers can cut and color hair on the golf courses. Hairdressers are probably better equipped at wearing a mask as you well know they are constantly using hot water to shampoo hair and why is s Grocery Store better equipped to handle after you see what is going on in the New Hope Giant. Please Governor Wolf use some common sense. Let my people go (HAIRDRESSERS). Why not lay off some state workers.Let them feel pain.I am sure you having nothing to worry about Governor your getting paid.

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