THE IRIDEUS - JUNE 2020
The Risks of Fishing with a Guide During the Pandemic: What Guides are Proposing for Safety By: Kirston Koths Phd, virology
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utfitters I respect have recently posted their guidelines for opening guided fishing trips. IMO, their protocols should greatly reduce, but not eliminate, the risk of getting infected by the virus causing Covid-19. As a person with very high risk of dying from this infection, I am waiting to take guided trips until a vaccine (which may arrive by early next year) has been widely distributed. Your risk factors and risk tolerance may differ, but I am only taking camping trips or day trips with my co-inhabitants as of now. One loophole in any outfitter’s safety protocol is the inevitable compliance issue, with some young “invincible” guides being a potential weak link in any proposed safety plan. Travel in guide shuttles also increases risk, as does staying in lodging. Aerosol transmission remains the most likely
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way anglers will become infected, and I note that even the Buff company website states that their product does not block aerosols. Reproduced below, is what Guides and outfitters plan for their safety at this time. Fly Water Travel (Nor-Cal & Southern Oregon & More) • Goals: Maximize guest, staff, and public safety. It should be firmly noted that these protocols are established to minimize – not eliminate – the chance of exposure to COVID-19. All destination travel will entail risk. Staff and participants may be exposed to known and unknown hazards. • Upon Arrival: The operator will inquire
