ROCKINGHAM — One of the exceptions in Gov. Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order allows for North Carolinians to get out of the house for exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many Richmond County residents have been taking advantage of that, going for walks or runs around downtown Rockingham or the trails at Hinson Lake, the Hitchcock Creek Greenway and Richmond Community College.
Others have taken to the water.
On Monday, Allyson Taylor and Jessica Paone, both 21, decided to paddle down Hitchcock Creek.
“We were just trying to find something to do while there’s nothing to do … get out of the house,” Taylor said.
The pair put in in Roberdel and paddled to the launch on Steele Street.
It took them about two hours to make their way down the creek.
Taylor said there were a few trees down that they had to duck under, but other than that, it was a smooth ride.
On the weekends, and sometimes during the week, some residents have gone out to Blewett Falls Lake or a little farther north to Lake Tillery.
Unlike in South Carolina, most of the Tar Heel State’s public water access points are still open.
S.C. Governor Henry McMaster closed all beaches and public water access in the Palmetto State a week ago.
Although some state parks have been closed, including nearby Morrow Mountain in Stanly County, due to crowding, both the N.C. Forest Service and U.S. Forest Service report that visitation to public lands has increased.
According to a press release issued Monday, attendance is up to three times greater at some places for this time of year.
However, state and local officials strongly encourage social distancing.
“Public lands, including state forests and parks, and national forests, are experiencing record-high attendance, making social distancing more challenging,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “While public lands are a great natural resource, we are urging visitors to observe the CDC and public health’s recommendations of six feet of spacing between each other, frequent and thorough handwashing and staying home if you do not feel well.”
The press release also stated that some people are abiding by social distancing rules while others are not and that officials have noted “large congregations of visitors in parking areas.”
For those who want to enjoy the great outdoors on state and federal property, officials offer the following guidelines:
- Stay close to home. Enjoy outdoor recreation in your neighborhood. Faraway places are wonderful but traveling long distances can increase your potential to spread illness.
- Pay close attention to guidance in your community before heading outside. Be aware of any guidelines, restrictions or closures mandated by your local or state government.
- Expect closures. Use the restroom before leaving home.
- Avoid times and places of high use. Visit early in the day or in the middle of the week.
- Keep hiking groups to three people or less.
- Wash your hands and follow CDC guidelines carefully.
- Be a good steward for nature and the people around you.
