'Camping in the West? Like Everything These Days, It’s Complicated' diff viewer (2/3)

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Camping in the West? Like Everything These Days, It’s Complicated	Camping in the West? Like Everything These Days, It’s Complicated
2020-06-01 14:10:36 UTC	2020-06-03 02:33:00 UTC (1 day later)
In the West, cabin-feverish parents yearning to take their children into the woods, couples trying to escape quarantine pods, and all campers who miss their beloved outdoors will this summer find a complicated camping landscape, one of new and conflicting laws, closings and reopenings, and strict requirements on social-distancing and hand-washing.	In the West, cabin-feverish parents yearning to take their children into the woods, couples trying to escape quarantine pods, and all campers who miss their beloved outdoors will this summer find a complicated camping landscape, one of new and conflicting laws, closings and reopenings, and strict requirements on social-distancing and hand-washing.
When the pandemic hit the United States in mid-March, Western states shut down in a staggered fashion, leading to the unprecedented closure of national and state parks. There were so few visitors that rarely seen pronghorn antelope in Death Valley grazed near a visitor center and bears roamed in public areas at Yosemite. Some parks now have recently reopened, in limited ways, but the experience will look “very different from what you might be used to,” as Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado said earlier this month.	When the pandemic hit the United States in mid-March, Western states shut down in a staggered fashion, leading to the unprecedented closure of national and state parks. There were so few visitors that rarely seen pronghorn antelope in Death Valley grazed near a visitor center and bears roamed in public areas at Yosemite. Some parks now have recently reopened, in limited ways, but the experience will look “very different from what you might be used to,” as Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado said earlier this month.
“It’s literally changing on a daily basis,” said David Basler, vice president of membership and marketing for the National Association of R.V. Parks and Campgrounds, an outdoor advocacy group. “Every state is different. In some states, every municipality is different.”	“It’s literally changing on a daily basis,” said David Basler, vice president of membership and marketing for the National Association of R.V. Parks and Campgrounds, an outdoor advocacy group. “Every state is different. In some states, every municipality is different.”
The reopening rules and phases not only vary according to state, but also whether the park is state or national, on private or public land, or federal land belonging to the National Park Service, Forest Preserve or Bureau of Land Management.	The reopening rules and phases not only vary according to state, but also whether the park is state or national, on private or public land, or federal land belonging to the National Park Service, Forest Preserve or Bureau of Land Management.
Campers might consider creating spreadsheets to keep track of these reopening dates. Zion National Park in Utah reopened, but only one of its three campgrounds is operating. Colorado’s state-park campsites are open, at half capacity and requiring advance reservations, while its Rocky Mountain National Park plans to phase in its Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds in early June. Montana’s state parks are open for camping, but the Montana side of Yellowstone National Park remains completely closed. (The Wyoming side, including Old Faithful and other landmarks, is open, but not for camping.) In California, the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest, home of Mount Baldy, Mount Wilson and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, is scheduled to reopen its campgrounds over the next few weeks, but state camping remains prohibited.	Campers might consider creating spreadsheets to keep track of these reopening dates. Zion National Park in Utah reopened, but only one of its three campgrounds is operating. Colorado’s state-park campsites are open, at half capacity and requiring advance reservations, while its Rocky Mountain National Park plans to phase in its Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds in early June. Montana’s state parks are open for camping, but the Montana side of Yellowstone National Park remains completely closed. (The Wyoming side, including Old Faithful and other landmarks, is open, but not for camping.) In California, the 700,000-acre Angeles National Forest, home of Mount Baldy, Mount Wilson and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, is scheduled to reopen its campgrounds over the next few weeks, but state camping remains prohibited.
State parks in Washington and Oregon are also closed indefinitely, though public camping is available at out-of-the-way, B.L.M.-run “dispersed” sites, and only for two weeks or less. The tricky part is getting there as many parking areas and trailheads have been closed for weeks.	State parks in Washington and Oregon are also closed indefinitely, though public camping is available at out-of-the-way, B.L.M.-run “dispersed” sites, and only for two weeks or less. The tricky part is getting there as many parking areas and trailheads have been closed for weeks.
“It’s really designed for the tent camper or backcountry camper who has skills,” said Chris Havel, a spokesman with Oregon’s state parks and recreation department. “It tends to be a little more primitive.”	“It’s really designed for the tent camper or backcountry camper who has skills,” said Chris Havel, a spokesman with Oregon’s state parks and recreation department. “It tends to be a little more primitive.”
Whether directed to these rugged woodspeople or car-campers stuffing sleeping bags into S.U.V.s, almost all reopening public campgrounds are broadcasting the same messages: Stay close to home; bring water, food and whatever else you need; and avoid taxing local resources.	Whether directed to these rugged woodspeople or car-campers stuffing sleeping bags into S.U.V.s, almost all reopening public campgrounds are broadcasting the same messages: Stay close to home; bring water, food and whatever else you need; and avoid taxing local resources.
“Plan as if you are going to the moon,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife tweeted in mid-May.	“Plan as if you are going to the moon,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife tweeted in mid-May.
Even before the pandemic changed all the rules, interest in camping was booming. The number of households in the United States that camp increased to 39 million in 2018 from 32 million in 2104, a bump of more than 20 percent, according to a KOA Kampgrounds’ North American Camping Report. Parks officials say they are receiving a spike in inquiries this summer.	Even before the pandemic changed all the rules, interest in camping was booming. The number of households in the United States that camp increased to 39 million in 2018 from 32 million in 2104, a bump of more than 20 percent, according to a KOA Kampgrounds’ North American Camping Report. Parks officials say they are receiving a spike in inquiries this summer.
“It has been super, super stressful,” said Bob Mergell, an administrator for Nevada’s state parks, which are closed for camping until the state announces the second phase of its reopening plan.	“It has been super, super stressful,” said Bob Mergell, an administrator for Nevada’s state parks, which are closed for camping until the state announces the second phase of its reopening plan.
“For every phone call or email that I get thanking me for trying to keep stuff open, there’s another email telling me I’m an idiot for keeping stuff open,” Mr. Mergell said.	“For every phone call or email that I get thanking me for trying to keep stuff open, there’s another email telling me I’m an idiot for keeping stuff open,” Mr. Mergell said.
With international border restrictions, a vastly reduced number of domestic and international flights, and many hospitality businesses, including amusement parks and resorts, still closed, this is a travel season that’s never been seen before. Some parks anticipate that summer vacationers will flock to campgrounds and other outdoor recreational areas, especially those close to home, to get away.	With international border restrictions, a vastly reduced number of domestic and international flights, and many hospitality businesses, including amusement parks and resorts, still closed, this is a travel season that’s never been seen before. Some parks anticipate that summer vacationers will flock to campgrounds and other outdoor recreational areas, especially those close to home, to get away.
Some types of camping sites are ideal for social-distancing, some officials say, because they encourage families to stay within their own sites and vehicles. And as Mr. Mergell, who has worked for parks for 30 years, said: “More than anybody, I recognize the benefits to physical and mental health to be outdoors and go out in nature and decompress.”	Some types of camping sites are ideal for social-distancing, some officials say, because they encourage families to stay within their own sites and vehicles. And as Mr. Mergell, who has worked for parks for 30 years, said: “More than anybody, I recognize the benefits to physical and mental health to be outdoors and go out in nature and decompress.”
“We believe this is the summer of the great American road trip,” said Betsy O’Rourke, chief marketing officer for Xanterra, which manages campsites for Yellowstone and operates lodges and concessions facilities in Grand Canyon, Zion and other national parks. “People can control the environment in their cars and R.V.s and vans.”	“We believe this is the summer of the great American road trip,” said Betsy O’Rourke, chief marketing officer for Xanterra, which manages campsites for Yellowstone and operates lodges and concessions facilities in Grand Canyon, Zion and other national parks. “People can control the environment in their cars and R.V.s and vans.”
The interest can be see in private campgrounds and R.V. sites such as Soledad Canyon, in Acton, Calif., near the San Gabriel Mountains, which offers water and electricity for $73 per day.	The interest can be see in private campgrounds and R.V. sites such as Soledad Canyon, in Acton, Calif., near the San Gabriel Mountains, which offers water and electricity for $73 per day.
“All private parks in California are open and have been all along,” said Dyana Kelley, chief executive and president of CampCalNOW, a trade group for R.V. parks and campgrounds. “The phone has been ringing like crazy.”	“All private parks in California are open and have been all along,” said Dyana Kelley, chief executive and president of CampCalNOW, a trade group for R.V. parks and campgrounds. “The phone has been ringing like crazy.”
For those willing and able to pay more, glamping may be an option. Seven miles north of Moab, Utah, outside the gradually reopening Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Under Canvas rents private luxury tents, including linens, lounge chairs and high-end takeout meals, with nightly rates ranging from $300 to $400.	For those willing and able to pay more, glamping may be an option. Seven miles north of Moab, Utah, outside the gradually reopening Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Under Canvas rents private luxury tents, including linens, lounge chairs and high-end takeout meals, with nightly rates ranging from $300 to $400.
~~Updated June 1, 2020~~	Updated June 2, 2020
	Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.	Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.	More than 40 million people — the equivalent of 1 in 4 U.S. workers — have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic took hold. One in five who were working in February reported losing a job or being furloughed in March or the beginning of April, data from a Federal Reserve survey released on May 14 showed, and that pain was highly concentrated among low earners. Fully 39 percent of former workers living in a household earning $40,000 or less lost work, compared with 13 percent in those making more than $100,000, a Fed official said.
Yes, but make sure you keep six feet of distance between you and people who don’t live in your home. Even if you just hang out in a park, rather than go for a jog or a walk, getting some fresh air, and hopefully sunshine, is a good idea.
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.	Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.	The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. You can give blood through the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals in major cities.
“Social distancing is a fundamental part of how we are designed,” said Matt Gaghen, Under Canvas’s chief executive. The company will open its Utah location June 4 and plans to reopen locations near Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon the following week.	“Social distancing is a fundamental part of how we are designed,” said Matt Gaghen, Under Canvas’s chief executive. The company will open its Utah location June 4 and plans to reopen locations near Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon the following week.
This summer Under Canvas has made some significant changes, including allowing guests to check in electronically, and providing hand sanitizer and wipes, as well as “deep cleaning” of personal restrooms.	This summer Under Canvas has made some significant changes, including allowing guests to check in electronically, and providing hand sanitizer and wipes, as well as “deep cleaning” of personal restrooms.
Maintaining a clean environment is vital for public parks too, requiring more staff and funding to sanitize the campsites and enforce social-distancing requirements.	Maintaining a clean environment is vital for public parks too, requiring more staff and funding to sanitize the campsites and enforce social-distancing requirements.
And this comes at a time where travel constraints are hampering the hiring of new workers.	And this comes at a time where travel constraints are hampering the hiring of new workers.
Zion National Park, in Utah, has had to delay hiring 32 seasonal staffers, one reason the park is reopening just one campground.	Zion National Park, in Utah, has had to delay hiring 32 seasonal staffers, one reason the park is reopening just one campground.
“We don’t have our seasonal staff yet, and that’s related to the pandemic and delayed hiring,” said Jeff Axel, a Zion spokesman.	“We don’t have our seasonal staff yet, and that’s related to the pandemic and delayed hiring,” said Jeff Axel, a Zion spokesman.