The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is offering some direction on whether or not hiking is a safe activity in this time of social distancing.

Some who live in communities where walking trails like the East Coast Trail intersect, are concerned that people will be in and out of places like stores and gas stations, possibly transmitting the virus.

Dr. Fitzgerald was firm that people must adhere to the public health measures at all times.

She says people who are physical distancing in the outdoors does not make up a large portion of transmission that happens.

Dr. Fitzgerald says getting out for a walk or hike on a trail, as long as you can respect physical distancing, is still a safe thing to do.