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Parks And Rec Shut Down Eaton Canyon After Overcrowding
We did a pretty good job this weekend, all things considered. Most people followed the many, many rules, guidelines and orders that seem to be changing on a daily basis.
But there was one exception: Eaton Canyon.
Officials shut down the popular hiking trail and waterfall on Sunday after seeing "overwhelming crowds that were not following the COVID-19 public health requirements."
The closure includes the Eaton Canyon natural areas, trails, trailhead, parking lot, nature center, and all gates. No walk-ins are allowed. The county's Department of Recreation said in a Facebook post, that despite extensive planning for the holiday weekend – including 15 trails monitors, nature center staff, increased patrolling and enfrorcement, and even park sheriffs on horseback, the crowds were not being safe enough to prevent the spread of the coronavirus:
Despite these best efforts by the County, the large number of visitors to Eaton Canyon this weekend have made it evident that many people are not practicing key requirements and recommendations set forth by Public Health and supported by LA County Parks such as wearing face coverings, physical distancing and avoiding crowded areas.
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Here are a few (with an important highlight):
- Do not visit public trails and trailheads if feeling sick and/or exhibiting any symptoms of illness.
- Physical distancing of 6 feet always required. No group gathering allowed on trails or in the parking lot.
- Limit visits to members of your household only.
- Everyone needs a face covering at the trailhead/parking lots and on any trails where there are other groups of people nearby.
- Consider avoiding popular locations that are prone to crowds.
- Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.
- Bring water, hand sanitizer, and/or disinfecting wipes to wash or sanitize hands frequently
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