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A Cole County stay-at-home order doesn't mean you can't go outside for recreation and exercise. In fact, it's encouraged.
There's plenty that area residents still can do in Jefferson City's parks, and some organizations are adapting to provide options for at-home recreation/exercise as well.
"We're trying to follow the Cole County guidelines and being responsible, but we think there's pretty good value in getting outside," said Todd Spalding, director of the city's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, in a phone interview late last week.
Park playgrounds and the Washington Park Ice Arena are two parks' offerings that are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, Spalding said the city has a large greenway system, as well as trails at Binder Park. It's possible to enjoy those offerings while still keeping the recommended 6-foot distance, he said.
"Those are great options for people to keep up their exercise and stay active," Spalding said.
Carol Scott and Abbie McFerron were taking their dogs for a walk Sunday at McKay Park. People were walking around the lake while others fished, but the playground was taped off.
"It keeps us from going crazy, getting outside" McFerron said. "You know it's bad when my kid wants to get off the video games and come outside."
The parks department is also offering "Virtual Event Series" with online instructors. Topics range from fitness using household items such as laundry detergent bottles to a scavenger hunt to a "Rainbows" event that includes fun facts, activities/exercises and arts/crafts.
The Jefferson City YMCA is offering virtual workouts through YouTube videos. You can find the links on the YMCA's website, jcymca.org. Workouts topics include yoga, barre, boot camp and active older adults.
Luke Lamb, a health/fitness specialist for the Y, acknowledged the pandemic makes it harder to work out.
"That doesn't, however, mean it can't be done," he wrote in an upcoming column for the News Tribune's Active Life section. "Now more than ever, in fact, it's important for us to stay committed to our health and wellness routines.
Some have suggested law enforcement will be overbearing in enforcing the county's stay-at-home order. However, local law enforcement said they're not looking to stop people unless there's a real problem.
One example: Sheriff John Wheeler said his department recently took action after a loud party of underage drinkers. Parents allegedly bought alcohol for the children, he said on the Sunday Morning Roundtable radio show on Newstalk 1240.
On the contrary, Wheeler said people should get out of their homes to exercise.
"Healthy people are going to be able to combat this better than unhealthy people," Wheeler said on the show.