The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is cautioning hunters to beware of COVID-19 this fall.
The Health Unit’s statement recognizes that hunting does promote physical distancing outdoors, but the same cannot be said for indoors. The Health Unit advises hunters to self-assess themselves for COVID-19 prior to staying in lodges and cabins.
The Health Unit also suggests that hunting groups come up with a plan to have a plan in place should a member contract COVID-19. This includes setting aside a quarantine area and having the individual self-isolate immediately if they are showing symptoms.
Other safer COVID-19 hunting practices include:
- Consider travelling in your own vehicle to the camp or lodge, or wear a face-covering with multiple people in the vehicle;
- Limiting private gatherings to 10 people indoors, 25 people outdoors;
- Socialize outside as much as possible;
- Consider having fewer hunters stay in the camp or lodge – use additional accommodation such as tents or trailers;
- Encourage your group to wear a face-covering indoors or anytime tasks require people to be less than two metres apart;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol);
- Don’t share personal items (e.g., cigarettes, joints, drinks, cutlery);
- Have one person make each meal and have them wear a face covering while cooking;
- Avoid serving meals and snacks in a buffet-style;
- Sneeze and cough into your sleeve;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
- Clean high touch surfaces frequently;
- Maintain contact tracing information of all participants.
If you are experiencing symptoms of any sort, the Health Unit advises that you arrange to get tested immediately.