C.O. guidelines offer how to recreate outdoors safely

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Central Oregon Emergency Information Network encourages local residents to recreate safely. Those who choose to enjoy the sunshine outdoors should follow these recommendations, developed in partnership with recreation leaders from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties.

BIKING 

• Trail etiquette is as important as ever now.
• Yield to both hikers and horses on trails. 
• Ride/hike from your back door, if possible. (Avoid driving to trailheads.)
• Maintain at least 6 feet of distance from others. 
• Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times, and have a back-up plan. 
• Be nice, say hi!

FISHING

• Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times, and have a back-up plan. 
• Keep at least 6 feet between you and other Oregnians enjoying the outdoors. 
• Sustain fish and wildlife habitat by avoiding or minimizing activity along eroding stream and lake banks and other unstable areas. 
• Launch on boat at a time to ensure other ORegonians have enough space to launch safely and securely. 

HIKING

• Offer a wide berth when passing and say a friendly, “hello.” 
• Go solo or only with members of your household. No groups and go single file. 
• Visit less crowded areas, visit during off-peak times and have a back-up plan.
• Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite trail may remain closed, or need to be closed on a temporary basis. 
• Stay 6 feet from others. 

CAMPING

• Check what’s open before leaving home. Your favorite camp site may remain closed, or need to be closed on a temporary basis. 
• Leave no trace, and pack out what you pack in. 
• It is wildfire season. Please remain safe and vigilant to ensure forest health and safety. Do not start fires in undesignated areas. 
• Check if your campground or park allows outdoor fires before you strike a match. If permitted, make sure you are building a campfire properly and that you have water or an extinguisher on hand. 
• Before you leave, ensure the campfire is out. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. 

ABOUT COEIN
COEIN’s website, www.coemergencyinfo.blogspot.com provides a collective resource for up-to-date information. Access to accurate, timely information both locally and nationally is encouraged. Our County Public Health experts point to the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as good sources of information. Daily situation updates are available via email at http://bit.ly/COVID19UPDATES 

COVID-19 phone line: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 541-699-5109

Central Oregon Emergency Information Network (COEIN), includes Deschutes County Health Services, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, St. Charles Health System, Crook County Health Department, Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Health Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, tri-county public schools, City of Bend, Bend Police, Bend Fire & Rescue, and others. COEIN’s purpose is to collect, coordinate and distribute timely and accurate information.

Accommodation Information for People with Disabilities  
To obtain this information in an alternate format such as Braille, large print, electronic formats, etc. please contact the COEIN JIC at 541.316.0087 or centraloregoninfo@gmail.com.