Minimum Standard Health Protocols - Checklist for Parks/Beaches/Bodies of Water

While parks, beaches, rivers, and lakes may be open, effective May 8, 2020, indoor swimming pools may operate up to 25% of the total listed occupancy of the swimming pool facility and outdoor swimming pools may operate up to 25% of the normal operating limits as determined by the swimming pool operator. Local public swimming pools may so operate only if permitted by the local government. People shall continue to avoid visiting interactive amusement venues, such as water parks and splash pads. The following are the minimum recommended health protocols for all individuals visiting parks and engaging in water activities, such as visiting beaches, rivers, and lakes. These minimum health protocols are not a limit on the health protocols that individuals may adopt. Individuals are encouraged to adopt additional protocols consistent with their specific needs and circumstances to help protect the health and safety of all Texans. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. Even if an infected person is only mildly ill, the people they spread it to may become seriously ill or even die, especially if that person is 65 or older with pre-existing health conditions that place them at higher risk. Because of the hidden nature of this threat, everyone should rigorously follow the practices specified in these protocols, all of which facilitate a safe and measured reopening of Texas. The virus that causes COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities. We should continue to observe practices that protect everyone, including those who are most vulnerable. Please note, public health guidance cannot anticipate every unique situation. Individuals should stay informed and take actions based on common sense and wise judgment that will protect health and support economic revitalization. Please note that this checklist is a hypothetical example and provides basic information only. It is not intended to take the place of, among other things, workplace, health and safety advice; medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; or other applicable laws. You should also seek your own professional advice to determine if the use of such checklist is permissible in your workplace or jurisdiction. Source: https://www.midlandtexas.gov/

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Health protocols for individuals:

Maintain at least 6 feet separation from others not within the individual’s group at the park, beach, river, or lake. The individual’s group may not exceed the greater of the individual’s household or up to 5 individuals who go to the park, beach, river, or lake together. If such distancing is not feasible, other measures such as face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
Self-screen before going to a park, beach, or other public open space for any of the following new or worsening signs or symptoms of possible COVID-19:
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
Loss of taste or smell
Diarrhea
Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit
Known close contact with a person who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19
Wash or disinfect hands after any interaction with employees, other customers, or items in the park, beach, river, or lake.
Consistent with the actions taken by many individuals across the state, consider wearing cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth) at a park, beach, river, or lake when within 6 feet of another person who is not a member of the individual’s group. The individual’s group may not exceed the greater of the individual’s household or up to 5 individuals who arrived at the park, beach, river, or lake together. If available, individuals should consider wearing non-medical grade face masks. Face coverings may not be feasible while in the water.
Clean and sanitize recreational water equipment before and after use.
Special consideration for river rafting and similar activities:
Any vehicle used to transport individuals between places along the river must be cleaned and disinfected between uses.
If such a vehicle is a bus, alternate rows should be used.
Individuals should not sit within 6 feet of any other person not with the individual’s group.
Individuals should sanitize hands before getting onto such a vehicle.
Face coverings are strongly recommended while on the vehicle.
Individuals aged 65 or older are at a higher risk of COVID-19. To the extent possible, avoid contact within 6 feet with individuals aged 65 and older. Individuals aged 65 and older should stay at home as much as possible.