These protocols have been superseded by more recent Public Health Office restrictions and guidelines.

The Outdoor Club held a planning meeting today and decided to resume outings under the provision of the following protocols.  These may be amended over time.  While many feel we have an elevated risk now with increased travel, we hope we can find the balance between staying safe and exercising and socializing outside. In general the Club members are vulnerable due to age, and many have other specific vulnerabilities. There is a wide range of sensitivities to the present risk. We recommend that everyone on a Club outing bring a mask, hand sanitizer and gloves.

Size of the group: In order to accommodate more hikers, we will try to break the group into pods of 2 to 4 people. The pods will start the hike about five minutes apart. This will be done on hikes where the risk of the group becoming separated is very low. On more complex routes, the group will either move as a distanced unit or use family radios to stay connected. Trip coordinators have discretion about the total number of participants on a trip.

Physical distancing: We may want to avoid busier trails, trailheads and times. Advance planning will include recognizing the width of the trail so that distance can be maintained with oncoming hikers, and wide places to stop for breaks or lunch as a group. We will stay two metres apart when stopped. Depending on individual comfort levels, more space may be requested when moving.

Talking can become problematic when the distance is considerable between hikers. We don’t want to bunch up in order to hear more clearly. While socializing is an important component of our activities, it may be preferable to converse at the beginning, at breaks or at lunch, and at the end of the outing, rather than while moving.

Sharing: Sharing of gear without disinfecting is not encouraged. Many people are not comfortable sharing food, so please do not assume that offers of shared food are welcome and don’t take offence, because it’s not personal.

Touching common surfaces: While it’s not the most common method of infection, hikers will want to give some thought to the rocks or trees they hold onto for balance and whether the hikers in front of them have also used those hand holds. You may wish to use hand sanitizer.

Who can participate: For now the Club will not include visitors on trips. Members who are locals or those who have been on the island for al least 14 days may join a trip. We encourage our members to be friendly to everyone they meet on the trail.

Car pooling: Car pooling is discouraged outside of family or bubble members. If it is necessary, the occupants would be encouraged to wear masks and sanitize surfaces and hands.

As British Columbia enters phase 3 of the re-opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be time to consider whether the Outdoor Club should resume activities yet. A few people have mentioned that they miss the hikes and would like to start again.

Just to review what is recommended in phase 3, most of the changes from phase 2 have to do with commercial re-openings. There is currently a very low incidence of COVID-19 in our local area. Nonetheless, “if you are at greater risk (over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions), be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance and take extra precautions.” No gatherings over 50 people are permitted. The bubble size is still 2 to 6 people. For everyone else outside of the bubble, it is important to remain physically distanced, maintained proper hand sanitizing and other hygiene protocols. At this time the general belief is that the risk of contagion from outside activities, while following these protocol, seems to be quite low.

So, how many of you think it’s time to resume activities? Don’t be bashful. If you don’t speak up, it will seem as if no one is interested. If you think it’s a bad idea, you should also comment. Along with people who want to hike and perhaps kayak, we would also need coordinators. One possibility is to have a planning meeting (outside) to discuss what people want to do. This really needs to be a process driven by member interest. Please respond (either by e-mail or by commenting here) by answering these questions:

I think it would be a good idea to resume Outdoor Club hikes and kayaking outings – yes or no
I would attend a planning meeting – yes or no
I would like to participate in the following trips:
I would like to coordinate the following trips:
Here are my other comments about resuming activities:

Here we are at the beginning of May with gorgeous weather. There are no Outdoor Club members as the membership year began May 1st, and there are no trips currently planned. With spring turning to summer it’s wonderful that Dr. Henry has recommended that people go outdoors and our local parks are soon reopening for day use. She has also said that individuals can somewhat increase the size of their social bubble. So what does that mean for the Outdoor Club?

Here are some personal opinions. We now know a bit more about the mysterious COVID-19 virus. We know that there are vulnerabilities based on medical conditions, age and gender, and that it is highly contagious. So for the vulnerable individual, or someone in a household with a vulnerable person, it’s no safer now than it was before. Each person will need to decide about how much exposure they are willing to tolerate.

A bubble of two to six people is not very large for the Outdoor Club to make outings work. As I interpret this, the two to six people would need to be stable and not changing each week. This guideline works better if people make their own small group and venture out together regularly.

It’s easier to maintain adequate physical distance in a kayak than hiking on a narrow trail. It’s quite difficult to talk while walking on a trail and maintain distance.

The Outdoor Club would like to facilitate people on Quadra to get out for exercise, and the other benefits of sunshine and the beauty of nature. But I think the new guidelines are still too restrictive to start up weekly trips.

If you wish to give feedback on any of this, please leave a comment.

It is with the greatest reluctance that the Quadra Island Outdoor Club has decided to suspend any further trips in our schedule for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis. In the last 10 days the acceptable size of a group has dropped from 250 to 50 to something between two and zero. Dr. Henry’s statement on March 19th said “…right now we need to be in small groups … one or two of us. And we need to maintain our distance with others….. We are not to be outside in groups….” The Physicians of Comox Valley Division of Family Practice have advised that people should associate outside only with family members.

With an older demographic on Quadra and a significant number of vulnerable people in the community, we think being cautious is particularly important. We know that hiking with family is not an option for some of you, but our hands are tied. We hope that everyone will continue to get out each day for the benefit and beauty that it provides. If you want advice about trails on the island, don’t hesitate to e-mail. Please stay safe, follow health hygiene protocols and maintain physical distance.