The City of Pickering has closed all of its municipal playgrounds and play structures in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19.
These closures are effective immediately, and signage will be posted at each site, said a city announcement.
“While we understand the need for children to go outside, play, and remain active, we acknowledge that it would be very difficult to maintain appropriate social distancing at playgrounds, which typically attract many users,” said Deputy Mayor Kevin Ashe. “In addition, playground equipment by nature is comprised of tactile, high-touch surfaces which cannot be sanitized after each use. We feel these measures are necessary because the transmission risk is just too great among children.”
Senior levels of government are advising residents to stay home and be safe. However, if there is a need to go outside to be physically active or pick up household necessities, residents are asked to abide by hygiene and social distancing protocols. Namely, use extra caution and good sense when outside of the home, and maintain a 2 m (6 ft) distance from anyone else not from the same household.
Although City Hall is closed to the public, it remains partially staffed and residents can connect through email, telephone, and live chat during regular business hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Clarington playgrounds closed
The Municipality of Clarington is closing all playground equipment and structures effective immediately. This decision was made based on evidence from the World Health Organization, which states that “…the novel coronavirus may remain on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days, depending on several conditions, including type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment.”
“We did not make this decision lightly; it is the right thing to do to try and protect our community and prevent the spread of Covid-19,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “I would implore all parents to speak to your kids and tell them not to play on the play structures. These are high-touch surfaces and cannot be sanitized after each use. Residents can still enjoy the fresh air and go for a walk as long as they practice social distancing,” added Mayor Foster.
Earlier, Clarington Fire Chief Gord Weir issued a ban on Open Air Burning in the municipality. Residents will not receive any new fire permits, and will not be able to renew existing permits until further notice.
Clarington has also closed all its facilities to the public. But the municipality continues to provide some services. Residents can stay connected with the municipality on social media and on Clarington’s dedicated page for all information and updates during this situation, www.clarington.net/covid-19.
“I want to be clear that while we cannot enforce these closures, we need to rely on residents to be responsible and understanding in these unique circumstances. Over the past week, we have made some unprecedented decisions as we continue to adapt and respond almost daily to the evolving situation surrounding Covid-19. Please be safe and take care of one another,” said Mayor Foster.
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