Boston/Worcester area climbers

SNECC is advising Boston/Worcester area climbers to follow guidelines set forth by the WHO, CDC, local and state governments. Access Fund has a great outline of do’s and dont’s.
https://www.accessfund.org/open-gate-blog/the-power-of-close-to-home-nature-in-the-time-of-coronavirus

We’re asking climbers to stay away from popular crags and bouldering areas. Specifically Lincoln Woods, Pawtuckaway, Quincy Quarries, Red Rocks and Lynn Woods. Other less travelled climbing destinations will be seeing more traffic. Those places may also be busy.

• Be prepared to turn around and/or head to a different destination.

• Do not take extra risks that may land  you in the hospital.
• Do not travel to rural locations from an urban environment.
• Practice social distancing.
• Ask if unsure it’s okay to visit a certain location.
• Don’t travel to locations with delicate access.
• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.

Thanks for sharing this.                                                                                               

If you do choose to climb:

• Be prepared to turn around and/or head to a different destination. ...

Please remember this is not a mandate but a strong suggestion to the climbing community. Be well, make good decisions and stay safe.

A strategy I like for making decisions under stress or when cognitive bias may be high -

Give yourself a specific point at which you will make a decision and identify the factors that would lead you to turn back or alter your plan. E.g.: "I'll hike to X point where I'll have a clear view of the climbing area. If I see more than Y people, I'll turn around and go for a run in my neighborhood instead."

Sometimes it can also help to identify factors that may make it harder to make a sound decision, e.g.: "I know that since I haven't climbed in two weeks, I'll be prone to rationalizing making a different decision--for instance, by believing that a party is just wrapping up. I will watch out for these rationalizations and stick to my plan."

...guidelines

Please spread the message to you climbing friends. Currently there are groups out in popular areas who haven’t been informed.

A stay home advisory will be in place tomorrow for the state of Massachusetts. Please follow guidelines set forth by the governor.

Incoming snow will obviously deter people from getting out. If conditions become nice as the week goes on please follow the stay home advisory. The rocks will be there when this is over.

Ask who?