The USACE is opening or reopening recreation facilities using a phased approach as conditions allow. The popularity of some activities and facilities can make it difficult for visitors and USACE employees to maintain proper social distancing protocols and presents a higher likelihood of visitors from wider geographic regions coming into contact with one another, potentially spreading COVID-19.
Examples of these activities and facilities include, but are not limited to:
- Beaches
- Playgrounds
- Fish Cleaning Stations
- Boat Rafting
Beaches typically draw large crowds which makes it difficult to follow the CDC's social distancing guidelines. In addition, swimming has a higher probability that USACE or other first responder personnel would have to break social distancing protocols for enforcement or protection and rescue of visitors.
Playgrounds are often crowded and can easily exceed recommended guidance for gatherings. It is also challenging to keep playground surfaces clean and disinfected properly when playground surfaces may be contacted by multiple people throughout the day. At this time, playgrounds are closed to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Fish cleaning stations present challenges for cleaning/sanitization. They're also not designed to support the recommended social distancing guidelines. Opening fish cleaning stations may cause users to gather in close proximity to one another rather than waiting until there is more room available.
Boat rafting has a higher probability that USACE or other first responder personnel would have to break social distancing protocols for enforcement, protection, or rescue of visitors.