What to know before going to take a walk at a park or trail

People enjoy the park, Friday, March 13, 2020, at Hermann Park in Houston. People enjoy the park, Friday, March 13, 2020, at Hermann Park in Houston. Photo: Mark Mulligan, Staff Photographer Photo: Mark Mulligan, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close What to know before going to take a walk at a park or trail 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent stay-at-home orders issued by government officials, cabin fever may start to set in as you consider going out for a walk, but there's a few things to know before venturing out.

A walk in the park or stroll on your neighborhood trail have taken on new meaning as new guidelines are set in place to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus.

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There are a few things to keep in mind before going for a walk in a city park. Many have closed off playgrounds, exercise equipment and benches as well as city-owned tennis centers, golf courses and skateparks.

While you can still walk on the trails, there are a few recommendations to keep in mind from the CDC:

Avoid close contact with others

Put distance between yourself and other people (within about 6 feet)

Wash your hands (especially after you have been in a public place)

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Under the recent restrictions set aside from the stay-at-home order amid the COVID-19 outbreak, going out for a walk is still permissible as you remember to social distance yourself from others on the trail.

A few beautiful parks to consider a walk include Buffalo Bayou Park, Hermann Park, Memorial Park, and, of course, your neighborhood trails.

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