DCNR NEWS: Governor Tom Wolf has lifted requirements for proof of a negative COVID-19 test in order to visit Pennsylvania state parks.

All state park and forest visitors are asked to observe the following COVID-19 mitigation efforts:

— Masks are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home

— Overnight facilities should only be used by members living in the same household

— People should not travel long distances for outdoor recreation; and instead look for opportunities close to home

— Don’t hike or recreate in groups — go with those under the same roof, and adhere to social distancing (stay 6 feet apart)

— Carry hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly

— Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose

— Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow

— If you feel ill, stay home

———

FOCUS GROUPS: If you have a private well, the Department of Health invites you to participate in a focus group this spring. The department is partnering with the Penn State Extension to expand safe water programming in Pennsylvania through webinars and free water testing for private well owners.

A virtual focus group will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on March 30, with the focus on private well water use in Pennsylvania. If you own a private well and have access to a computer and/or phone, you can participate.

Those interested in participating should contact the Department of Health’s Division of Environmental Health Epidemiology at dehe@pa.gov for further details. The maximum number of participants is 12.

Open-ended questions will be asked about how private well owners use their water, their safety-related concerns, treatment methods, and resources they use often.