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COVID-19 check list

RESTARTING MAINE’S ECONOMY
COVID-19 Prevention Checklist

Guided Hunting, Fishing, Boating and
Outdoor Activities

The State of Maine has adopted a staged approach, supported by science, public health expertise and industry collaboration, to allow Maine businesses to safely open when the time is right. The plan is available at www.maine.gov/covid19/restartingmaine

 

This is one of many industry guidance documents that the State is providing for businesses so they can reopen safely. Please make sure you pair this document with the general guidance document that applies to all industries, which is available on www.maine.gov/DECD

Everyone’s goal is to allow guide businesses to operate while keeping guides and clients safe and healthy. Please use common sense and keep the goal in mind.

 

Phase 1: Applies from May 18, 2020 through May 31, 2020

Registered Maine Guide Activity Guidance

Pre-Trip Considerations

  • Out-of-state clients who want to participate in Guided Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Activities will need to quarantine in Maine for 14 days before participating.

  • During Phase 1, all clients should be from the same household unless they can comply with current standards for number of people and physical distancing.

  • Communicate with clients in advance regarding new operational procedures and post new procedures on your website if possible.

  • Arrange for payment using online or phone payment processes if possible.

  • Under no circumstances should a guide, client or employee participate in a guided trip if they show signs of illness.

Transporting Clients

  • Guided activities in the *“Rural Reopening Counties” will allow for transportation of a client in the guide’s vehicle provided protective masks are worn. If multiple clients ride in the guide’s vehicle they must be from the same household. With one client being transported, social distancing and proper cleaning/safety guidelines should be adhered to.

  • Sanitize vehicle with EPA registered products (see below) after each trip paying particular attention to “high-touch” surfaces.

Trip Safety/Cleaning Preparation

  • Clients should provide their own water bottles, sunscreen, and insect repellent while in the field.

  • Guides and clients should wear face coverings when indoors or when unable to maintain physical distancing. Face coverings that become wet must be replaced with dry face coverings. Note that a “buff” or neck gaiter constitutes a face covering.

  • Guides will have readily available: hand sanitizer, cleaning products and spare face coverings on every trip.

  • Extra care must be taken when close contact will occur, such as while in a small boat or canoe. Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet between individuals as much as possible. Face coverings must be worn if this is not possible.

  • Sanitize equipment used by clients with EPA registered products (see below) after each trip paying particular attention to “high-touch” surfaces.

  • Equipment provided for client use such as fishing rods, paddles, life jackets, etc., must be sanitized before and after use. (A sample of a sanitization solution can be found here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/covid-19-disinfecting-with-bleach)

  • Use separate equipment for guide demonstrations.

  • Should a client become ill on a guided trip, consult with EMS or a healthcare facility for immediate guidance.

Meal Preparation as Part of the Guided Trip

  • Guides operating in “Rural Reopening Counties” beginning May 18th will be allowed to provide food in accordance with “Restaurant Guidelines” released 5/8/2020. Phase 1 Restaurant Guidance_5-8-20. Many of the provisions in the guidelines will not apply in a remote setting, please apply those that fit your specific operation. Otherwise during Phase 1 meal preparation by the guide is not allowed and clients are responsible for their own food.

Overnight Trips

  • Guides operating in “Rural Reopening Counties” beginning May 18th will be allowed to provide overnight trips in accordance with Wilderness Campsite Guidance from DACF Phase 1 Remote Camping Guidance_ 5-7-20 and may provide meal preparation in accordance with “Restaurant Guidelines” released 5/8/2020 Phase 1 Restaurant Guidance_5-8-20. Many of the provisions in the guidelines will not apply in a remote setting, please apply those that fit your specific operation. Otherwise during Phase 1 overnight trips are not allowed.

Sporting Camps

  • Separate guidance on the operation of sporting camps is pending and should be available soon on the DECD website.

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