As the coronavirus outbreak spreads across New Jersey, people are being extra careful to keep a safe distance from one another.

State and federal officials are urging all Americans to stay inside their homes as much as possible. When Americans do have to go out in public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying at least 6 feet away from others.

But there have been some New Jerseyans who have complained that when they are out in the grocery store or performing other essential activities out in public, people are getting a little too close for comfort.

Enter News 12’s Brian Donohue’s “corona-cane.” New Jersey state officials have opened trout season in the state 10 days early in an effort to avoid the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that opening day usually attracts.

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Donohue says that with so many people holding on to 8-foot fishing rods, it would be easy to tell how to keep a distance from others. Donohue says that he borrowed a giant stand of his neighbor’s bamboo plant and fashioned out a 7-foot-long pole.

While strolling through downtown Somerville, Donohue says that it was just the thing to make sure everyone kept an appropriate distance.

Donohue even ran into Andrew Reese, a visually-impaired man who walks around with his own cane. Reese says that he often uses his cane to make sure people keep a safe distance.

“When I cross the streets, I flag it like this so drivers can see me," Reese said with a twirl of his cane. "It helps even more."

And for those who are getting out to get some fresh air by fishing – keep in mind that trout fishing will be catch and release only until the originally scheduled start of the season on April 11.