COVID-19, that began in late 2019 has spread to dozens of countries across the globe. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health risk for most people in the United States is thought to be low, however, for people in high risk categories: advanced age, people with underlying conditions including but not limited to diabetes, heart problems, COPD, other respiratory complications, and obesity, COVID-19 can be deadly. If you have a fever, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue or are generally feeling unwell, it is recommended you remain at home.Visitors and residents should follow the same common-sense precautions as they would with the flu – frequent hand washing, avoidance of sick people, etc. It is also recommended visitors and residents also wear cloth face coverings when frequenting places where physical distancing is not possible: crowded stores, public transit, etc.People at higher risk of getting sick should follow Washington State Department of Health recommendations to protect themselves.All group gatherings, community events and concerts have been postponed or rescheduled for a later date, most not resuming until Phase 4 of the Safe Start Washington plan which should begin in mid-late August. Travelers planning a visit should call their hotel and local visitors bureau for information specific to the locations you would like to travel to.On June 10, 2020 Governor Inslee sent a letter to Barry Kling, Administrator of the Chelan-Douglas Health District moving our area into a modified Phase 1 based on his application. Here are the details of Phase 1.5We know that travel plans may be disrupted right now, but we will be here when you are ready for an outdoor adventure, a breath of fresh and a change of scenery.

Responsible Ways You Can Still Enjoy Wenatchee While Physically Distancing

The Wenatchee Valley is more than a recreational gold mine, we grow things here. We are all about fresh locally sourced foods, handcrafted beers, heirloom apple varieties that create delicious hard ciders, and our award-winning wines all set in a backdrop of orchards with a big river running through it. These orchards produce fruits that are shipped worldwide from state-of-the-art packing facilities and hardworking community members. This is not just our home, but a place we love, thrive in, protect, and invite you share in. While we practice physical distancing, we are also coming together in more ways than one. Whether you are a local yourself, or simply in the area for a visit you are probably wondering about the best ways to enjoy our incredible place and support local business while staying safe and responsible.The cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee have grown quiet as folks adjust their daily lives to stay healthy and limit the spread of COVID-19. Residents are in their homes as much as possible, and local businesses ramp up sanitization and safety procedures while cutting back on nonessential services to do their part. And while these times can bring uncertainty and anxiety, they also remind us of why we love this place so much.Here are some ways you can continue to experience these magical pieces of Wenatchee while practicing safe social distancing and doing your part to flatten the curve.

Wide Open Spaces

If you are an outdoor enthusiast—and let's face it, you probably are if you're in Wenatchee—then staying indoors can be downright painful. We get it. You don't have to forgo fresh air altogether, just makes sure to maintain a minimum of 6 feet away from others at all times. Lucky for us, Wenatchee has the trail systems and wide-open spaces to accommodate social distancing best practices. While you may have to make a little extra effort to keep your distance on popular routes like our Apple Capital Loop Trail, spots like Sage Hills, Horse Lake, Lake Clara, Devil’s Gulch and Dry Gulch offer up more options to explore responsibly.We HIGHLY recommend the following:In places where there are no restrictions on the use of local parks, trails and open spaces, we encourage all users to follow these recommendations:

• Refrain from using parks or trails if they are exhibiting symptoms.
• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
• Prepare for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains.
• While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.
• Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.
• Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.
• Consult local and state ordinances and guidelines for the most up to date recommendations on park and trail use.

Same Entertainment, New Location

A weekend in Wenatchee without live music, local wines and/or craft beer feels downright unnatural, we know. But as it turns out, we are a highly communal Valley, and most of our favorite forms of entertainment go against the rules of safe social distancing. That is why local businesses and artists have worked tirelessly to find new ways to bring Wenatchee to us. Here are a few creative alternatives we are especially grateful for.

Music, Film, Arts & Crafts

Local musicians are taking to the internet and streaming live shows. Check the Visit Wenatchee calendar for event information. https://visitwenatchee.org/events/Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center for virtual tours and online activities.https://www.wenatcheevalleymuseum.org/ This includes a you tube channel with online classes and activities https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ADR-eRbSnErQ6T41ZU8lwWenatchee River Institute offers Wild & Scenic Film Festival online where activism gets inspired. New films are up every few days. www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org. They also offer multiple ways to learn more to diversify the outdoors including photography workshops, a plant ID mini-series and moreIcicle Creek Center for the Arts https://icicle.org/ which serves to inspire the human spirit using the arts as a catalyst for creativity, a beacon of hope and beauty as well as a source of unity. Virtually for now!

Local Food & Beverages are open to 50%

Wenatchee’s food and beverage scene is a hard thing to go without, but luckily you don't have to – who would have thought this” new normal” could be fun? While restaurants and bars have limited dine-in sections, many still offer takeout and delivery with added safety precautions such as paying over the phone and curbside pickup. Enjoy!Please remember this is a long game effort and our sights are set on Phase 4! Please wear a mask whenever possible, for us and we will for you!