Lake County forest district stresses distancing rule

Lake County Forest Preserve District officials are emphasizing the need for visitors to follow social distancing when approaching or passing others on trails to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Family groups of two or more are being told to break into a single-file line and move to the right shoulder to allow maximum space when approaching or passing others, officials say.

The district intends to keep preserves and trails open but the 6-foot separation at all times between people or family groups is essential, Executive Director Ty Kovach said.

The majority of trails are a minimum 8-feet wide and some are 10 or 12 feet wide and are designed to accommodate social distancing, according to Mike Tully, director of operations. In parking lots, visitors should wait until the area is clear to enter or exit a vehicle, officials said.

Visit www.LCFPD.org/maps/ if the lot is full to find another location, Tully said.

All public buildings, restrooms, playgrounds, marinas, golf courses, visitor centers and dog exercise areas are closed. All educational programming has been canceled through the end of April. Preserves are open 6:30 a.m. to sunset but there is no maintenance and visitors are asked to leave no trash.