Summer Tourism Research Articles

Assessing the impact of the COVID‑19 pandemic health protocols on the hygiene status of swimming pools of hotel units.

With the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous countries imposed strict lockdown measures and travel bans, resulting in the closure of hotels. Over time, the opening of hotel units was gradually allowed, and new strict regulations and protocols were issued to ensure the hygiene and safety of swimming pools in the era of COVID-19. The present study aimed to evaluate the implementation of strict health COVID-19-related protocols in hotel units during the 2020 summer tourist season concerning microbiological hygiene and physicochemical parameters of water, and to compare the data with those from the 2019 tourist season. For this reason, 591 water samples from 62 swimming pools were analyzed, of which 381 samples were for the 2019 tourist season and 210 samples were for the 2020 tourist season. To examine the presence of Legionella spp, 132 additional samples were taken from 14 pools, of which 49 in 2019 and 83 in 2020. In 2019, 2.89% (11/381) of the samples were out of legislative limits (0/250 mg/l) regarding the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli), 9.45% (36/381) were out of acceptable limits (0/250 mg/l) regarding the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and 8.92% (34/381) had residual chlorine levels <0.4 mg/l. In 2020, 1.43% (3/210) of the samples were out of the legislative limits as regards the presence of E. coli, 7.14% (15/210) were out of acceptable limits regarding the presence of P. aeruginosa and 3.33% (7/210) of the samples measured residual chlorine levels <0.4 mg/l. The risk ratio (RR) in relation to the presence of E. coli due to incorrect compliance with the requirements for residual chlorine was calculated for 2019 at 8.50, while in 2020 it was calculated at 14.50 (P=0.008). The RR of the presence of P. aeruginosa due to inappropriate residual chlorine requirements was calculated in 2019 at 2.04 (P=0.0814), while in 2020 it was calculated at 2.07 (P=0.44). According to the microbiological hygiene and physicochemical parameters of the water samples studied, there was a significant improvement due to the strict protocols for the swimming pools in the summer season of 2020 compared to the tourist season of 2019, namely 72.72% (E. coli), 58.33% (P. aeruginosa), 79.41% (of residual chlorine <0.4 mg/l) in the three main parameters studied. Finally, an increased colonization by Legionella spp. detected in the internal networks of the hotels due to the non-operation of the hotels during the lockdown, the improper disinfection and stagnant water in the internal water supply networks. Specifically, in 2019, 95.92% (47/49) of the samples tested negative and 4.08% (2/49) tested positive (≥50 CFU/l) for Legionella spp., compared to 2020 where 91.57% (76/83) of the samples tested negative and 8.43% (7/83) tested positive.

DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY IN RUGOVA

The territory of Rugova is part of Kosovo, which includes the western part of Kosovo. This territory consists of 13 settlements, which in the physiognomy of the landscape make up the mountainous parts that are quite attractive for visitors. In addition to the areas that attract visitors, a significant number of accommodation facilities and restaurants have been built in this area for guests visiting the area. Rugova has developed mountain tourism with all its activities because the attractive nature of the area makes this form of tourism developed. Likewise, winter and sports tourism take an important place, especially in the winter season, where the snow lasts for more than six months of the year, which is a rare phenomenon for the development of tourism. For this reason, the residents of Rugova have really turned this place into a tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. But on the other hand, they have also improved the quality of their lives. Tourism is always growing and developing in this tourist region of Kosovo. Tourists visit this place staying for days, both in summer tourism and in winter tourism. Visits are made to touristic places, where tourists also stay in family households together with local residents. Indeed, Rugova has many tourist attractions that are available for tourists. The paper presents some of the elements that have influenced and will influence the development of tourism for the future in this tourist. The development of tourism in this area presents a special report. The natural conditions and social factors are what make tourism an important economic activity for the development of this area. The tourist destination in File is visited by tourists throughout the year, many of them stay for whole days in this place. The importance of the area is also increased by the value of the National Park, which has been declared and affects the development of tourism in this area. The mountainous part itself has great potential values with all forms of relief which present real tourist attractions for visitors. In some parts, investments have been made to improve the tourist infrastructure, which provides a good basis for the development of tourism. The local population lives in the area and they welcome the guests who stay for days visiting the tourist sites of the area. The area itself has influenced the economic development of the country, which every day is changing its shape towards improvement. The large number of tourists who visit this tourist destination is the best indicator for the development perspective of tourism in this tourist area. The local residents use different products that serve tourists, such as traditional foods that are used in this area. Part of the agricultural and livestock products are used for the development of tourism in this tourist destination. Based on these indicators, the tourist destination in question presents suitable conditions for the development of the tourist product. The development of many forms of tourism such as; mountain, walking in nature, climbing, parachuting, staying during the weekend with family, all are conditions that have made this country a tourist destination for visitors. This shows the tourism development perspective of the area by using the tourist potentials which are used for the development of tourism and actually create a tourist destination.

Analysis of Hydrometeorological Trends and Drought Severity in Water-Demanding Mediterranean Islands under Climate Change Conditions

Global climate change has emerged as a problem in recent years, and its effects will likely continue to increase in the future. Several scientific studies conducted in the Mediterranean region have demonstrated relatively stationary trends for annual precipitation and significant upward trends for mean annual temperature. These trends present several implications, especially in the Greek islands that serve as major summer tourist destinations where the population is already unable to meet their water demands. The aim of this study is to investigate both long- and short-term variations in temperature and precipitation on three Greek islands in the Mediterranean Sea (Mykonos, Naxos, and Kos). The temperature and rainfall trends, as well as their magnitudes at yearly, seasonal, and monthly time steps, were determined using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall trend test. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed to identify the drought periods. According to the results, precipitation slightly increased (almost stationary) in the three islands, although this rise was not statistically significant. All three islands experienced a sharp and statistically significant increase in their mean annual air temperatures. The region may experience drought episodes as a result of the high temperature increase, which would drastically reduce the amount of water, available for use due to the increased evapotranspiration. For the Mediterranean region, the necessity for a drought management strategy to stop or diminish the severity of drought episodes and their effects has grown into a matter of great concern. It is crucial to take measures and conduct relevant research in order to create the conditions for adaptation and mitigation of climate change consequences and the increased appearance of drought phenomena.

The Urban Public Space between Land and Sea: The Case of Quarteira, Portugal

Among the European coastal territories most vulnerable to the effects of mean sea level rise, such as flooding and erosion phenomena, are the 943 km of the Portuguese coastline where approximately 70 per cent of the population lives (Bigotte et al, 2014), a percentage that rises to around 80 per cent in the summer months, due to tourism (Andrade et al, 2002), especially in the Algarve region (southern Portugal). The case study of this research is the urban public space in the coastal city of Quarteira, which is particularly vulnerable. This space between the land and the sea has been recently framed in the inter-municipal climate change adaptation plan PIAAC-AMAL (Plano Intermunicipal de Adaptação às Alterações Climáticas do Algarve). The aim of the article is to explore the natural and anthropogenic process of formation and transformation of the urban space between the land and sea that occurred over time, up to the definition of the seashore street. Interpretative drawing is used as a methodology to understand the form of the public space. This is considered the first step for designing the public space between the land and the sea that deals both with the effects of climate change and the seasonal cycles of summer tourism. Through this analysis, it is argued that the understanding of the form (morphological characteristics) of this continuous space between land and sea is fundamental for consistent and robust adaptation design.

Analysing daytime summer thermal comfort conditions for Turkey's third largest tourism destination.

Tourism is one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change since outdoor leisure activities are only possible in appropriate climate conditions for them. Among several climate or weather-related factors effective on tourist satisfaction, the concept of outdoor thermal comfort conditions gains importance with climate change because it is the combined effect of all atmospheric conditions on human body. Therefore, tourism-climate indices to reflect the favourability of destinations begin to include this parameter as a component. Mediterranean basin harbours world famous summer and cultural tourism destinations among others and climate change is expected to impact the region which covers the third largest primary destination of Turkey. The aim of this study is to analyse human thermal comfort conditions in the southwest part of Turkey, world-famous summer tourism region using Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) values and Geographic Information System (GIS) as a tool to show their spatial distribution as a component of tourism climate indices. As the result of the study, the most influential factors on human thermal comfort conditions in the region are mean radiant temperature, moisture content, air movement and increasing dense urbanisation in 12 districts, where meteorological measurements were taken. As the result of the study, suggestions were proposed to reduce the effect of higher PET and Tmrt values on tourists in the study.

INFLUENCE OF SELECTED DETERMINANTS ON THE PERCEPTION OF BEACHES AS A TOURISM PRODUCT

INFLUENCE OF SELECTED DETERMINANTS ON THE PERCEPTION OF BEACHES AS A TOURISM PRODUCT

Nitrogen dynamics in alpine soils of south-eastern Australia

Context The Australian Alps are recognised by UNESCO as a globally significant mountain range. Soils underpin all of these ecosystem services. However, sparse data exists on alpine soils. Aims and methods We explored nitrogen dynamics of soils from four high mountain sites, using a combination of new and established field and laboratory techniques. Key results Organic and inorganic N were of the same order of magnitude, with around twice as much inorganic N as organic N. Forty three small (&lt;250 Da) organic N compounds were detected, with concentrations 30 times greater in microbial and salt-extractable pools than free in the soil solution. The net N mineralisation rate decreased four-fold over the growing season. The organic matter decomposition rate was close to the global mean (k = 0.017), while the stabilisation factor was high (0.28) in comparison with other ecosystems globally. Conclusions These results begin to illuminate the complexity of the belowground processes that have formed the high C soils of the Australian Alps. The combination of moderate turnover times and high stabilization of organic matter support Costin’s theory that these mountain soils formed in place as a result of biological activity, rather than reflecting their geological substrata. The pools of organic N adsorbed to mineral soil surfaces and bound up within microbes lend support to a theory of tight N cycling, with little organic or inorganic N free in the soil solution. Implications This new knowledge of soil N dynamics can support land managers to design successful restoration works to preserve alpine soil ecosystem services impacted by climate change, feral animal disturbance, weed invasion and the increase in summer tourism infrastructure.

Islanders’ Heterogenous Temporalities

This paper revisits the cultural stereotype of a sharp binary division between “summer” and “winter” temporalities in an island town in Croatia (Hvar). It highlights the existence of parallel and competing temporalities that generate heterogeneous social and individual rhythms. The overarching rhythm of summer tourism, which divides the year into “summer” (roughly between May and October) and “winter” (roughly between November and April), conceals other temporalities, both in the sense of how locals perceive and organise their temporal rhythms and in the sense of how they experience them. The article discusses these heterogeneous temporalities and how they orchestrate the locals’ lives, how they criss-cross and relate to one another, and how they transition into one another. Attention is directed to individual meanings and preferences, experiences, and resistance to the overwhelming rule of the rhythm of tourism.

Perceptions and factors impacting visitor decisions: The Blue Flag pilot at Galveston, TX

COVID-19 changed the way people interacted with outdoor spaces and heavily impacted summer tourism trends. With the federal government’s encouragement, many people chose beach outings where they could enjoy a vacation while minimizing the risk of contracting COVID-19. It was during this time in 2020-2021 that East Beach (managed by the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees) in Galveston, Texas, was the site of a survey study concerning beachgoer interest in the Blue Flag award program. The Blue Flag program operates in 48 countries focusing on environmental education, safety and security, environmental management, social responsibility, and responsible tourism among beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators. Before the study began, training on the Blue Flag program was given to the student researcher to provide an informational basis for explaining the program and award criteria to participants. Participants for this study were sampled from the beach-going population at East Beach in Galveston. A total of 53 participants completed the entire survey for a completion rate of 82.81%. The positive responses in support of the Blue Flag program found in this survey shows interest in East Beach would likely increase if the Blue Flag award were attained and a larger sample of responses were collected for analysis.

A Comprehensive Evaluation Model for Local Summer Climate Suitability under Global Warming: A Case Study in Zhejiang Province

In the context of global warming, how to measure summer climate suitability at a local scale is important for meteorological services. Considering meteorological and ecological conditions, body comfort, and the atmospheric environment, an assessment method for summer climate suitability for Zhejiang Province is proposed. In this paper, a summer suitable index (SSI) for Zhejiang is calculated, including four secondary indices: a summer cool index (SCI), a comfort days index (CDI), a good air days index (GADI) and a vegetation cover index (VCI). Using a local evaluation criterion, summer climate suitable areas are distinguished objectively according to the SSI. The results show that especially suitable regions account for 4.97% of Zhejiang Province, very suitable regions account for 22.2%, suitable regions account for 39.58%, and general regions account for 33.25%. The summer climate suitable areas are located mainly in high mountains and hills and coastal island areas while plain areas cannot be considered a suitable destination for summer tourism. By comparison and discussion, the SSI is demonstrated to capture summer climate suitability well. In contrast to a fixed evaluation index, benchmark values obtained for the SSI depend on the local climate and the index is straightforward to apply.

Domestic tourism demand in the North and the South of Europe in the Covid-19 summer of 2020

This study investigates empirically changes in domestic summer tourism demand following the Covid-19 pandemic in 305 regions across six European countries (Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden) based on official data. Five different groups of NUTS 3 regions are identified in accordance with a typology suggested by the OECD where density and connectivity are aspects of importance. Dynamic panel data estimations show that large metropolitan regions experience strong decreases in demand (approximately 30 per cent) both in July and August 2020. There are, however, clear differences between the Northern and Southern European countries. In the North, the remote regions encounter an increased demand that is partially offsetting losses in the large metropolitan regions. This pattern cannot be found in the South. The decline in domestic tourism flows to the major metropolitan areas is also more pronounced in the South of Europe, approximately 50 per cent per summer month compared with 20 per cent (July 2020) and stagnation (August 2020) in the North regions.

Mass movement susceptibility assessment of alpine infrastructure in the Salzkammergut area, Austria

The alpine infrastructure of trails and huts enables access to the Alps and is an essential element of summer tourism. Mass movements, whose frequency and magnitude are expected to increase due to extreme rainfall events associated with climate change, frequently affect this infrastructure. Alpine associations need to adopt new ways within their management and maintenance to cope with the expected effects. An option is the use of susceptibility maps to assess the impact of mass movements on the alpine infrastructure network at a regional scale. Thus, this study aimed to assess the mass movement susceptibility of alpine hut and trail infrastructure in a popular hiking area in the Salzkammergut region in Austria. Two statistical susceptibility mapping approaches (logistic regression and informative value) were applied, assessed for their accuracy, and compared. The susceptibility of the alpine infrastructure to mass movements was calculated for trails and huts. Field validation was performed in a mass movement hotspot within the study area. The resulting mass movement susceptibility maps show similar patterns for areas with low and high susceptibility for both methods but are influenced by the completeness of the mass movement inventory and the quality of the conditioning factors. Both methods presented a prediction rate above 68%, with a higher rate for the logistic regression method. The informative value, however, presented more reliable results during the field validation. Discussions with Alpine associations show the potential of susceptibility mapping to aid strategic alpine infrastructure management by providing an overview of susceptible alpine trails and huts.

Smart Campus Microgrids towards a Sustainable Energy Transition—The Case Study of the Hellenic Mediterranean University in Crete

Smart campus microgrids are considered in this paper, with the aim of highlighting their applicability in the framework of the sustainable energy transition. In particular, the campus of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, is selected as a case study to highlight the multiple campus microgrids’ advantages. Crete represents an interesting insular power system case, due to the high renewable energy sources capacity and the large summer tourism industry. There is also a high density of university and research campuses, making the campus microgrid concept a promising solution for the energy transition and decarbonization of the island. In this sense, policy directions that could facilitate the development of the smart campus microgrid are also given, to motivate areas with similar characteristics. For the performed case study, the HMU microgrid is assumed to consist of PV systems, wind turbines, battery energy storage systems and EV chargers. The analysis explores the financial feasibility and environmental impact of such an investment through the optimal sizing of the systems under investigation, while a sensitivity analysis regarding the battery system cost is also performed. Apart from the financial benefits of the investment, it is evident that the main grid experiences a significant load reduction, with the microgrid acting as a RES producer for many hours, hence improving system adequacy. Moreover, it is shown that the location of HMU makes the investment more sustainable compared to other locations in northern Europe, such as Stockholm and London. The methodology and the derived results are expected to motivate such investments, especially in areas with high RES capacity and a high density of university and research campuses.

Variability of black carbon aerosol concentrations and sources at a Mediterranean coastal region

To investigate the temporal variation of aerosol optical properties and evaluate the main emission sources of black carbon (BC) considering different seasons in a typical Mediterranean coastal environment, a field campaign was conducted during February–July 2019 at the Central Adriatic coastal area. Real-time measurements of aerosol light absorption were continuously obtained using an aethalometer while the Aethalometer model source apportionment data, optimized by using levoglucosan measurements, were evaluated against the modelling results of the LOTOS-EUROS chemical transport model. The measured mean equivalent BC mass concentration of 0.57 ± 0.64 μg m−3 was the lowest observed in the Mediterranean region. BC from fossil fuel (BCff) dominated the area throughout the study period with a maximum in winter and elevated levels by the approaching summer tourist season. Diel variability of BC concentrations from biomass burning (BCbb) was observed during stable winter conditions, with clear morning and evening concentration peaks, consistent with the profile of residential heating by wood burning. Up to 88% of BC concentrations were attributed to European emission sectors, with stationary source combustion, transportation, shipping and agriculture sectors being the most influential contributors. Source apportionment of BC highlighted that, in addition to biomass burning, small combustion fossil fuel sources, including land traffic and shipping, should be more strictly controlled in order to limit BC pollution in Mediterranean coastal areas. This study serves as a basis of comparison for future studies addressing air quality and pollution source apportionment in the Adriatic and/or the Mediterranean coastal regions in efforts of mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Regional Climate Change Impact on Coastal Tourism: A Case Study for the Black Sea Coast of Russia

Regional climate change is one of the key factors that should be taken into account when planning the development of the coastal tourism, including investments and construction of tourism-related infrastructure. A case study for the Black Sea coast of Russia shows a series of potential negative hydrological, meteorological, and biological factors that accompany regional warming of the Black Sea Region, that can impede the development of coastal tourism and devalue billions of dollars in investments by the State, private companies, and individuals. We discuss such natural phenomena as air and sea warming, extreme weather events, coastal upwelling, heavy rains, river plumes, wind and waves, tornado, rip currents, sea-level rise, algal bloom, introduced species, and other features characteristic for the region that seriously impact coastal tourism today, and may intensify in the nearest future. Sporadic occurrence of extreme weather events, unpleasant and sometimes dangerous sea and atmosphere phenomena during the summer tourist season, and from year to year can be of critical psychological importance when choosing your next vacation and tourism destination. The research does not include anthropogenic factors, geopolitical, and socio-economic processes, and the COVID-19 pandemic that play an important role in the sustainable development of coastal tourism as well.

Malta: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Malta

The fallout from the COVID-19 crisis has hit the Maltese economy hard, particularly its large tourism sector. Using fiscal buffers accumulated prior to the pandemic, the authorities have taken swift actions to support households, businesses, and the healthcare system. With the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccine, the economy has reopened for the summer tourism season. While the outlook is surrounded by a high degree of uncertainty, the Maltese economy is expected to rebound by 5¾ percent this year, up from -7¾ percent in 2020. The financial system has remained stable. In late June 2021, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) put Malta under increased monitoring due to concerns about effectiveness of its anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework.

Water Quality Maintenance Approaches and On-Site Monitoring Results of an Artificial Bathing Beach

Ji, Y. and Yin, Y., 2021. Water quality maintenance approaches and on-site monitoring results of an artificial bathing beach. Journal of Coastal Research, 37(4), 793–799. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.The construction of artificial beaches on the muddy coasts involves water purification and long-term maintenance. In the paper, based on the investigation of tidal current, sediment distribution, water quality, and background creatures, a technical scheme of “building submerged breakwater enclosure and accelerating sediment deposition” to form a transparent water body and a long-term water quality maintenance scheme of “diversion, drainage, and self-purification of ecology” are proposed. Through sand precipitation test, water exchange feasibility, and facility scale demonstration, biological purification measures research and on-site practice, as well as long-term water quality monitoring and analysis, the conclusions are as follows: (1) The construction of submerged breakwater for water enclosure promotes the sediment deposition process. The experiment results indicate that after two-day static settlement, 93% of the suspension is precipitated and the concentration of total phosphorus decreased by more than 70%. (2) Water from artificial beaches can be diverted by harnessing tide or pumping facilities. The scale of the pump station and sluice should be determined according to the filling or drainage capability of water in a tidal cycle. (3) The ecological self-purification should be established on the basis of background investigation. The aquatic animals, such as fish, shrimp, crab, shell, and algae m (4) The water quality tends to deteriorate and changes with seasons with the increase of tourists. Finally, it is suggested renovating the current water diversion system, enhancing the monitoring of ecosystem, limiting the number of tourists in summer and increasing the frequency of water exchange.

Reprint of: City tourism pre- and post-covid-19 pandemic - Messages to take home for climate change adaptation and mitigation?

The paper presents the status quo on climate change impacts on city tourism in Austria describing the impacts by air travel and a short stay on the greenhouse gas emissions and the changing conditions in the city. For Austrian cities, depending on location and topography, heavy rainfall events, storms and heat waves in particular could become increasingly relevant in the tourism context. For medium-sized and large cities, heat is the most frequently discussed topic in connection with possible adaptation potentials. The analysis of challenges shows a strong overlap of adaptation targets in city tourism with adaptation challenges for city planning including connection to the sub-urban surrounding areas to confront climate change impacts. Covid-19 pandemic, additionally, offered the opportunity to discuss a new re-start of the city-tourism against the experience during the shutdown period in spring 2020. The paper argues that we can learn from the current health crisis for coping with climate change related extreme events and to increase achievements in climate change mitigation. Firstly, the pandemic provides a strong ability to discuss the impact of city tourism due to short-term air travel and options to enhance more climate-friendly options on the other hand. Secondly, Covid-19 emphasized the need to reconsider the role of free spaces in metropolitan areas as well as their accessibility. Herewith synergies with climate change adaptation are likely when questioning the availability and accessibility of green and blue infrastructure as well as their capacities. Challenges including crowding and impacts by over tourism on public free spaces will require joint strategies involving all public and private institutions (including local communities and businesses) responsible for the maintenance of green and blue free spaces. Thirdly, the strong interactions between urban and suburban areas became evident once more, which will also be very relevant for city tourism in the future (e.g. in times of heat waves). Reflection on the transferability of coping with such crowding effects, related to the adaptive behaviour of residents and tourists in times of severe heat waves, might be relevant for both city tourism and summer tourism destinations near metropolitan areas. Finally, the Covid-19 crisis encourages discussions on over-tourism in metropolitan destinations in favour of a more balanced approach, in particular in inner city areas and around major sightseeing attractions.

COVID lessons from the global south – Face masks invading tourist beaches and recommendations for the outdoor seasons

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been extensively used, and discarded PPE has been observed in many different environments, including on tourist beaches. Here we examined the distribution and densities of face masks on some of the main tourist beaches in Chile, and we monitored their daily accumulation rates on one beach in northern-central Chile. Face masks were found on beaches across the country with average densities of 0.006 ± 0.002 (mean ± se) face masks m−2, which are higher than densities reported on Peruvian beaches, but lower than those on some Kenyan beaches. Face masks were also found on more remote beaches and rocky shores in northern-central Chile. Daily accumulation rates on one tourist beach were low during austral fall/winter (0.2 face masks km−1 d−1), but were over ten times higher during austral summer (3.0 face masks km−1 d−1). These values are substantially higher than daily accumulation rates reported from urban streets, which is most likely due to the high densities of beach visitors during the summer tourist season. COVID-19 related infrastructure (signposts and PPE waste bins) was present on most beaches, but while signposts about personal protection were abundant, there were few signposts about littering, and only one of the 12 beaches sampled for COVID infrastructure had a signpost that offered recommendations about the proper disposal of used face masks. Specific waste bins for PPE waste were only available at three beaches. Based on these findings it is recommended to provide sufficient PPE-related signs and waste bins, establish general and strict waste disposal regulations, and to improve enforcement. Educational campaigns should aim at recommending proper use and disposal of face masks, litter prevention, reduction of single-use waste and enhanced pro-environmental behaviors.

Use of Stay-at-Home Orders and Mask Mandates to Control COVID-19 Transmission - Blackfeet Tribal Reservation, Montana, June-December 2020.

COVID-19 has disproportionately affected persons who identify as non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) (1). The Blackfeet Tribal Reservation, the northern Montana home of the sovereign Blackfeet Nation, with an estimated population of 10,629 (2), detected the first COVID-19 case in the community on June 16, 2020. Following CDC guidance,* and with free testing widely available, the Indian Health Service and Blackfeet Tribal Health Department began investigating all confirmed cases and their contacts on June 25. The relationship between three community mitigation resolutions passed and enforced by the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and changes in the daily COVID-19 incidence and in the distributions of new cases was assessed. After the September 28 issuance of a strictly enforced stay-at-home order and adoption of a mask use resolution, COVID-19 incidence in the Blackfeet Tribal Reservation decreased by a factor of 33 from its peak of 6.40 cases per 1,000 residents per day on October 5 to 0.19 on November 7. Other mitigation measures the Blackfeet Tribal Reservation used included closing the east gate of Glacier National Park for the summer tourism season, instituting remote learning for public school students throughout the fall semester, and providing a Thanksgiving meal to every household to reduce trips to grocery stores. CDC has recommended use of routine public health interventions for infectious diseases, including case investigation with prompt isolation, contact tracing, and immediate quarantine after exposure to prevent and control transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (3). Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and mask wearing indoors, outdoors when physical distancing is not possible, or when in close contact with infected or exposed persons are also recommended as nonpharmaceutical community mitigation measures (3,4). Implementation and strict enforcement of stay-at-home orders and a mask use mandate likely helped reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the Blackfeet Tribal Reservation.