All NVHC members are required to read the following and accept the disclaimers before joining a hike during the COVID period. This policy overrides other policies applicable during normal times. For instance, car pools are not arranged by NVHC during the current COVID period.

GUIDELINES

Disclaimer: Participation in any NVHC events is voluntary. Each Meetup event posting will contain a requirement for the participant to read (1) the NVHC special COVID-19 guidelines, (2) the standard NVHC sign-in sheet statement, and (3) the COVID-19 Waiver and Release of Liability, and then type “I accept” in response to the Meetup question. Those who do not accept online prior to the hike will not be allowed on the hike.

Local Laws: Even though many parks and trails are open, there may be other local orders that may preclude you from joining a club event. You are responsible for knowing what regulations apply to you and abide by them.

Limit on Number of Attendees: Hike limits will be set by the hike leaders taking into account local and state orders in effect. Please be diligent about changing your RSVP to “no” as soon as you realize that you cannot attend the hike.

Social Distancing: Social distancing is not required for those hikers who are fully vaccinated. To reduce the risk of infection, hikers  who are not fully vaccinated must maintain at least 15 feet of separation from others when hiking and at least 6 feet when not hiking. Hike leaders may impose additional restrictions including masks, vaccination, or 15 feet separation for the hikes they lead. The Club will use the honor system regarding vaccination status.

Masks: With the social distancing requirement stated above, NVHC is not requiring that hikers wear masks while hiking. However, hikers are required to bring masks and wear them when indoors and when physical distance cannot be maintained. Masks may be required due to local regulations. Hikers may of course wear masks any time for additional safety. Some leaders may require masks to be worn even while hiking; if they do, it will be specified in the hike description. Make sure that you cover all coughs and sneezes. These requirement must be met.

Carpools: Hike leaders may designate a location for hikers to meet and form
carpools. Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating
transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and
they participate at their own risk.

Dogs: Dogs will be permitted on hikes at the discretion of the hike leader.

Health: You must not attend hikes if you (1) have had COVID-19 in the past 21 days and have not been tested to be free of the virus, or (2) anyone in your household has had any of the following symptoms in the last 21 days: cough, shortness of breath, fever greater than 100 degrees, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting, diarrhea, or generally do not feel well, or (3) are known to have been exposed to Coronavirus within the last 21 days.

Notification: If a hiker is diagnosed with COVID-19 within 21 days after completing a hike, they must notify the hike leader immediately.

Signing In Sheet Options:

• Leaders can fill out the sign in sheet ahead of time or at the hike meeting
  location without any contact needed by the hiker. Hikers would not need to
  sign the sheet. The COVID Meetup question will still have to be answered “I
  accept” to go on a hike.
  o Leaders can have the hikers complete the sign in sheet at the trailhead and
  sign their name. If a hiker does not feel comfortable doing that, the hike
  leader can complete the entry for them. The COVID Meetup question will
  still have to be answered “I accept” to go on a hike.
  o The use of hand sanitizer is recommended.

Masks, gloves, sanitizers: Hikers are required to bring masks  and sanitizer to use if needed (example: give first aid).