The coronavirus has all but jeopardized all summer plans for people all over the world. Flights and cruises have been shut down, lockdowns have been implemented all around the world, and people have been encouraged, if not outright required, to stay home. If you were hoping to go camping during this time, you’re out of luck.
Unless you live in the UK, that is.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on June 23 an ease of lockdown restrictions starting on July 4, and ever since then, people have been booking campsites by the dozen. But before you run off to start the family car with your camping gear in tow, there are some things you should keep in mind to ensure that your future trip goes smoothly.
Is camping now safe despite the coronavirus?
First things first, the most important part for planning any kind of trip, camping included, is understanding the risks associated with going on one during the coronavirus spread.
Camping is an activity that allows you to experience once again a natural outdoor and spacious environment. Surely, it’s something that many have sorely missed. The sizeable environment given among campers is helpful in practicing social distancing as well, even if the amount of people may be numerous.
However, tents are confined spaces, and you may not know which one might potentially be contaminated. It’s best to just avoid approaching tents foreign to you or your group altogether.
There is also the risk that campsite facilities such as bathrooms and showers may need to be shared, potentially limiting social distancing in these areas.
In the end, it’s up to your best judgement as to whether you want to go camping or not. You should follow government guidelines in accordance with where you live to aid in your decision-making as well. Campsites will also have their own safety measures while also following government guidelines to ensure minimal potential for transmission while still ensuring an enjoyable camping experience for campers (More on this later).
Are face masks required for camping?
While strongly encouraged by the World Health Organization and the UK government during moments where social distancing isn’t possible, such as using the same facility as someone else, it isn’t a requirement.
In fact, while on your campsite, it’s unlikely that you will be wearing a face mask anyway, thanks to the distance being implemented by campsites for each camping group against each other. So, when you are simply hanging around your campsite or relaxing in your tent, it is unlikely that mask-wearing will be mandatory.
Still, while all campsites will be required to follow government regulations for safety against the coronavirus, some of them may have their own additional rules as well, one of which may be the mandatory use of face masks or coverings when using certain shared facilities to ensure the safety of the other guests.
Even if the campsite you have chosen to go to does not require usage of face masks in its rules, it is still highly recommended for all campers to wear them anyways, especially when social distancing might be compromised.
How will campsites keep its guests safe?
Campsites will be required to follow the ‘COVID-19 Secure‘ guidelines by the government if they wish to reopen for the summer.
Other than that, many campsites have their own additional guidelines to ensure safety and security for its guests. Many campsites adhere to different social distancing guidelines, while others sanitize all used facilities, especially public, on the clock when able. Some campsites have also reduced the total number of campers that they would accept, while others have increased the minimum distance required of tents with each other.
Certain shared facilities such as swimming pools, cafes, and restaurants, may be limited, if not shut down altogether, to minimize contact among the guests.
Contactless arrivals and departures will also be made available where possible to ensure less amount of contact with people.
Before you book, it is important to do as much research as you can on your potential campsite choices to understand what their own rules are during the ease of lockdowns.
How can I keep myself safe?
Other than your usual camping gear, it is also highly recommended to bring your own sanitizing equipment, such as gloves, face masks, hand sanitizers, and other cleaning essentials.
Not only is it a good idea to regularly sanitize your tent and surroundings, it is also much better to use a sanitizer that you already packed than to have to walk away from your camp to find the campsite’s. Make sure to regularly wash or sanitize your hands.
And of course, ensure that you practice social distancing as well.
What if I don’t live in England or Northern Ireland?
As you may know, England and Northern Ireland have already allowed campers to flock in once more when July 4 rolled over, but other places like Scotland and Wales might have different ideas.
If you live in Scotland, multiple ‘indicative dates‘ will allow certain self-contained campsites such as camper vans and motorhomes on camping sites on certain dates which can range from campsites being allowed to reopen as early as July 3rd all the way to being allowed to start operations again on July 15. Some campsites reopened as early as July 3 but without certain facility blocks as only self-contained campsites are allowed on-site. Usage of these facility blocks will only be available again starting July 15. If you don’t have a self-contained unit with its own facilities to stay in, you can only begin going on-site starting on July 15.
On the other hand, if you live in Wales, self-contained holiday accommodation will be reopened on July 11, which means that, like Scotland, camping caravans and motorhomes will only be allowed on-site if it has its own kitchen, toilet, and other facilities. Unfortunately, general camping will stay closed until further updates.