Roger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 200
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Post by Roger on Mar 9, 2020 15:19:01 GMT -8
Backpacking would seem safe for avoiding COVID-19 since you are usually by yourself or with a small group of friends. This might not be true for those hiking the AT this year. Large group of hikers usually start around now from Springer Georgia on their way to Maine. Those hiking the AT usually stop at the trail shelters and the hiker hostels along the way. These can be very crowded, especially in bad weather. Shelters and hostels are an idea condition for the spread of infections. When I was hiking the trail a few years back there was an outbreak of Norovirus on the trail that extended along the trail into two states and included some of the hostels along the trail. Undoubtably they also carried the infection into the towns along the trail. Avoiding the shelters, hostels and crowds in the trail towns is easier said than done. Water sources are usually found at the shelters. The hostels have cheap lodging for people that go into town to wash their clothes and restock food, stove fuel etc. The trail is also a very social event where you meet lots of people and may develop lifelong friendships.
So if you are going to hike the trail this summer be careful.
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Mar 10, 2020 13:43:35 GMT -8
Imagine those shelters are pretty enclosed though. Thinking of the AT in the future but something to take into account. A vaccine would be great, of course.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,932
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Post by Westy on Mar 11, 2020 6:16:03 GMT -8
Planned start from Amicalola Falls, GA to Damascus, VA is April 19th.
As for the impact of corona virus, I'll take it a day at a time until the travel date and subsequently the trail. Have no clue of how to correlate corona virus with shelters and expect to make adjustments ad hoc. On the upside, I'll be well behind the bubble. Roger's point about hiker hostels is also a factor as the plan involves staying at hostels on multiple occasions.
My concern at the minute is the present. I still have 4 more shifts driving passengers to/from the airport and ski resorts. Focusing on Lysol and hand sanitizer to keep the vehicle and my hands clean. Have facemasks in my kit for passengers with a cough.
In the end, it's a concern and valid post subject.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Mar 12, 2020 5:42:11 GMT -8
There's a pretty good chance that most, if not all of us are eventually going to be exposed to COVID-19. The current measures being instituted are intended to slow down the infection rate so that it doesn't overwhelm health care facilities. Roger probably knows a lot more about this than I do.
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
Posts: 9,730
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Post by ErnieW on Mar 12, 2020 7:42:46 GMT -8
If you look at Norovirus outbreaks on ships they don't seem as bad as the COVID has been on them. Unfortunately your example of Norovirus on the trail doesn't make it seem that COVID will be a good thing. Throw in that with so many young people in conditions that already make many feel off and there is good chance of many unaware/asymptomatic carriers on the trail.
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Roger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 200
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Post by Roger on Mar 12, 2020 12:45:09 GMT -8
Symptom wise Norovirus results in very few deaths and those are typically nursing home patients on their way out. For backpackers it is major vomiting and diarrhea followed by dehydration and fatigue. For a number of hikers this was the end of their dream to do the AT. Other were able to rest for a few days and get back on the trail. Symptomatic hikers with COVID-19 on the trail may need to come off the trail and potentially spread it to trail towns and beyond. Those with mild symptoms can easily spread it in the shelters and hostels. Shelters can become very crowded at times, especially when there is rain. While death is rare in this age group there is always the chance of the need for supplemental oxygen or in a severe case a ventilator for a while. From what I have seen I would expect lot of backpackers to have little or no health insurance which may deter hikers from getting care. I used a hammock when I hike and was able to stay near the shelters but have my own space. I avoided the hostels except for a couple as I could afford a motel room. For those that have not done the trail there are a lot of small motels giving backpacker discounts. Often there are multiple people in a room. A hot shower and a real bed feels great after a backpack.
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daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 564
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Post by daveg on Mar 13, 2020 18:47:55 GMT -8
Copy of email from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy:
Dear David,
As more cases of COVID-19 (commonly referred to as “Coronavirus”) are diagnosed, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is monitoring the situation closely to ensure we are taking the appropriate actions, not only for our staff, but also for the community of volunteers and hikers who actively use and work on the Trail. While the risk of contracting COVID-19 is still considered to be low, we are taking this situation very seriously and are incorporating the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization into all we do to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
In order to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading this highly contagious virus to others, ATC staff members and volunteers will postpone all non-essential travel and conduct meetings and conferences digitally whenever possible. Any in-person meetings or work trips — including volunteer Trail maintenance projects — will be limited to no more than twelve people in one location to reduce the risk of infection. Any staff member or volunteer who displays the symptoms of COVID-19 infection will be asked to stay home until cleared to return to work by a medical professional. We are also encouraging staff members and volunteers to work from home whenever possible. While we do not anticipate this will significantly reduce our ability to quickly respond to emails, phone calls, membership requests, donor acknowledgements and other important communications, we appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience as we transition to this new structure.
Beginning today, the ATC Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry will be closed until at least March 20 as we assess the best methods to ensure all visitors, staff members and volunteers are kept as safe and healthy as possible. We will reassess this closure next week to determine if more time will be needed before the Visitor Center reopens.
Due to the risks inherent with large gatherings, the 2020 Flip Flop Festival has also been canceled. We still welcome any aspiring flip flop thru-hikers to begin or end their hikes at ATC headquarters. Should the Visitor Center still be closed, we ask that hikers take a selfie in front of the ATC sign and send them along with their name and starting date to info@appalachiantrail.org. We will then add your photo to our official album of 2020 hikers.
For Appalachian Trail hikers, distancing yourself from others and maintaining good hygiene is the best defense for reducing your chances of contracting any illness:
Wash your hands frequently with biodegradable soap at least 200 feet from water sources. When soap is not available, use hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol.
Avoid sharing food. Do not eat out of the same food bag, share utensils or drink from other hikers’ water bottles. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use the crook of your arm (inner elbow) or use a tissue and dispose of it using Leave No Trace Principles.
Keep some distance between you and other hikers whenever possible, especially if anyone shows signs of being sick. Avoid shaking hands or other close contact — instead, elbow bumps or waving are safer ways to greet others. Avoid congregating in groups along the Trail.
If you are an older adult or have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, you are at a higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19 disease. Hike and camp away from others to minimize the likelihood of infection.
If you begin to feel sick, stay away from others and get off the Trail until examined and cleared for return to the Trail by a medical professional. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 while on the A.T., please submit an incident report at appalachiantrail.org/incidents detailing when you got sick, when and where you got off the Trail and any other helpful information.
For volunteers working on the footpath, the additional guidelines are also recommended:
Minimize carpooling to work locations. While this is not ideal regarding environmental impacts, personal safety and health take priority. Work in groups of no more than 12 people in any location. Avoid sharing tools and equipment whenever possible.
For additional guidance and downloadable handouts, please visit appalachiantrail.org/covid-19.
The health and wellbeing of the greater A.T. community is our top priority. As the situation continues, the ATC will provide frequent updates and guidelines for remaining safe and healthy on the A.T. and beyond. For any questions or concerns, please contact us by email at info@appalachiantrail.org or by phone at 304.535.6331.
Sincerely, Sandra Marra
Sandra Marra President & CEO Appalachian Trail Conservancy
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Roger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 200
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Post by Roger on Mar 14, 2020 14:08:16 GMT -8
Good to see the AT guidance....
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Mar 14, 2020 16:25:15 GMT -8
The PCTA offered similar guidance but more for their own operations. The CDTA had a very interesting addition to all this. Hikers who are ill need to be financially prepared to spend a 14 day self quarantine in their own hotel room (financially ... pretty sure the delivery pizza and cable TV will add 20 lbs).
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Roger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 200
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Post by Roger on Mar 17, 2020 16:07:00 GMT -8
Today the AT Conservancy asks thru-hikers to postpone hikes due to COVID-19. This notice was sent out today, March 17th. They presented a lot of good reasons to postpone hikes. This is a time to use common sense and protect yourself and those around you. As this is a quickly evolving pandemic there may be further restrictions. For details go to their web site for details www.appalachiantrail.org
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,932
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Post by Westy on Mar 18, 2020 3:12:08 GMT -8
Executing actions to postpone by (1) one year my April 18th start date for AT section hike (Amicalola Springs, GA to Damascus, VA). Just need to cancel reservations with airline, and three hotels. There are too many unknown future variables regarding travel, ground transportation, hostels, shelters, hotels, resupply and visiting the (3) 80+ year old friends that are an integral support component of the hike. Throw in respect for the trail town residents and it's a no go. AT Resupply Kit 2020 - Standing Down
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daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 564
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Post by daveg on Mar 23, 2020 18:55:56 GMT -8
Email from the ATC today:
David, we value your health and safety.
In these unprecedented times, I am making an unprecedented request: please stay away from the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Whether your hike is for a couple of hours or a couple of days, staying away from the Trail minimizes the spread or contraction of COVID-19.
In a time when social distancing is necessary to minimize the spread and contraction of a dangerous virus, many have escaped to nature seeking isolation and unpopulated spaces. On the A.T., however, what they’ve found are trailhead parking lots exceeding their maximum capacities, shelters full of overnight hikers, day hikers using picnic tables and privies, and group trips continuing as planned. Popular spots along the Trail like Blood Mountain in Georgia, the McAfee Knob area in Virginia, and Annapolis Rocks in Maryland have seen day use reach record-breaking levels. Cars line the highways leading to popular day-hiking spots on the Trail. Hiking the A.T. has become, in other words, the opposite of social distancing.
These same crowds accessing the A.T. may not know how a simple half-day hike can spread COVID-19. While hiking, they may have eaten lunch at a picnic table, taken a break in a shelter, used a privy, or shared a map or food with someone unknowingly infected with COVID-19 and carried this highly contagious virus back to their communities at the end of the day. They may not have realized that ATC staff and Trail volunteers have been recalled from the A.T. and cannot maintain the footpath, trailheads, shelters and privies that may be heavily (or permanently) impacted by increased visitor use. And, they may not be aware of the rural communities adjacent to the Trail that may not have the healthcare resources to help a sick hiker or volunteer or manage a COVID-19 outbreak should a hiker transport the virus in from the Trail.
Many day hikers see the outdoors as an escape from the stresses of these difficult times. But with crowding from day hikers reaching unmanageable levels and the lack of any staff or volunteers to manage this traffic, it is necessary that all hikers avoid accessing the Trail. The A.T. is not a separate reality from the communities in which hikers live – so, until the risk of spreading COVID-19 has reduced significantly, hiking on a heavily-trafficked trail like the A.T. potentially increases rather than reduces harm.
The ATC does not want to do too little, too late. We cannot close the Trail. We cannot physically bar access to trailheads or connecting trails. We can and do, however, urge everyone to please stay away from the Appalachian Trail until further notice.
There is an unfortunate truth about this virus: unless everyone is safe, no one is safe. So, take a walk around the block. Spend time with your loved ones. And, please, stay home.
Sincerely, Sandra Marra
Sandra "Sandi" Marra President & CEO Appalachian Trail Conservancy
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daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 564
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Post by daveg on Apr 2, 2020 18:52:50 GMT -8
Trail updates from the ATC:
Trail closures continue to expand with access to the A.T. (e.g. trailheads and connecting trails) closed on Forest Service land south of Virginia; shelters and privies closed on National Park Service land across the Trail; state park shelters and privies closed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and all overnight camping closed in Maryland; and perimeter closures for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Graham County, North Carolina. Stay up to date on Trail closures here.
Key Trail events and volunteer opportunities have been cancelled or postponed including the Appalachian Trail Days Festival in Damascus, Virginia (now scheduled for May 15-17, 2021) and the Konnarock Trail Crew season.
Updated hiker and volunteer guidelines have been posted to ATC’s COVID-19 page. Please continue to access this page for all matters related to the Appalachian Trail and COVID-19.
The ATC is mapping all confirmed cases of COVID-19 along the A.T. corridor and has published a GIS map here. The Trail, as evidenced in the map, is not a separate reality from its adjacent cities, towns, and villages.
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