Phase I guidelines for: Rhode Island state parks

Summary of Phase I

operations

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) will reopen state parks in a graduated manner. State park facilities will be limited to active use only, such as walking, hiking, biking and fishing, with use restrictions eased as conditions permit.

Physical space and occupancy limits

Social distancing and group limitations will be enforced at state parks.

This requires reducing parking capacity and closely monitoring park use during

Phase I. The parking limits and visitor capacity will be determined for each facility, based on “carrying capacity” and the experience and observation of park managers. The volume of cars and visitors will be monitored, and parks will be closed to parking once the limits are reached. The restrictions will be flexible so that managers can adjust limits up or down depending on the number of visitors and visitor compliance with social distancing practices and group size requirements.

All state park employees and visitors should follow the general guidance from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding gathering sizes and social distancing.

Adhere to gathering size restrictions

RIDOH has published the following requirements on gathering sizes: https:// health.ri.gov/covid/. Please follow the gathering size guidance for each phase as described here: https://health.ri.gov/ covid/#alerts. These restrictions should be followed when holding meetings, conferences or other social gatherings.

Apply social distancing measures

The CDC has published the following social distancing guidance: https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/preventgetting-sick/social-distancing.html. All persons should remain at least six (6) feet apart at all times.

Business processes, procedures and activities

Enhanced cleaning and/or disinfecting procedures will be in effect during Phase I. Park restrooms will remain closed and RIDEM will encourage visitors to bring their own hand sanitizer. Porta-johns will be placed in some (but not all) facilities, based on the level of use. Porta-johns will be supplied by a vendor, who will do the regular deep cleaning. RIDOH has approved the following cleaning schedule for porta-johns:

High use porta-john:

Thorough cleaning and sanitizing once per day by the vendor. High-touch areas in the units (door handles, hand sanitizer dispensers, and toilet seats) wiped down frequently by RIDEM seasonal staff.

Moderate- and low-use

porta-johns:

Thorough cleaning and sanitizing once per day by the vendor. Cleaning wipes and/or cleaning materials available for individuals to clean surfaces before and after use.

Screening procedures

Parks and Recreation staff will be screened daily in compliance with procedures for state employees issued by the Department of Administration. Employees who are determined to be sick will be sent home.

Face coverings and other personal

protective equipment (PPE)

Employees, customers and visitors are required to wear face coverings. Either a cloth face covering or surgical face mask is acceptable. Respirators and N95 masks should be reserved for designated healthcare workers. Employees who require more extensive facial coverings due to industryspecific safety regulations, laws or guidelines should continue to comply with the PPE requirements outlined within their respective industry-specific laws, regulations and guidelines (e.g., medical professionals, professionals who use respiratory equipment, and professionals who handle hazardous waste).

Face coverings are required unless an employee and/or visitor can easily, continuously and measurably maintain at least six (6) feet of distance from other employees and/or visitors for the duration of his or her work and/or time in a building. uch protective coverings are not required for certain individuals, per CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-gettingsick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html or when a face covering would inhibit an activity of daily living (e.g., eating).

Park employees will wear cloth masks. Employees who are responsible for administering first aid, such as park rangers and lifeguards, will wear surgical masks while administering first aid.

RIDEM has developed guidance for the appropriate level of PPE for specific positions and settings.

Clear communications plan

The Department will develop clear messages regarding restrictions and COVID-19 measures and will communicate them to visitors through its website, social media channels and the press.

The Department will develop and post social distancing reminders and other signage as needed throughout its facilities.

The Department will also have park rangers at some larger parks to greet visitors and to provide COVID-19-related reminders.

The Department will use signage on the roads at some park facilities to notify the public when parking is at capacity.