Despite Alberta’s Phase One re-openings commencing last week, the playgrounds in the City of Wetaskiwin will remained closed at this time.
The City of Wetaskiwin’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) is currently reviewing when the City will re-open to the public. At this time the City still feels the risk of spread of the virus through playground equipment is too high. The basketball nets will also not be open for use until the playgrounds re-open.
A public statement from the City of Wetaskiwin about the continued closure of playgrounds says, “[U]nfortunately, at this time the risk remains too high and the safety of our community is too important to open them up right now.”
We have received some questions about when our playgrounds will open up again, unfortunately at this time the risk remains too high and the safety of our community is too important to open them up right now.
— City of Wetaskiwin (@wetaskiwincity) May 15, 2020
Visit https://t.co/Dw4onuR1ng for all up-to-date information. pic.twitter.com/6YX9g5fM6F
Although some other municipalities may have re-opened playgrounds, all physical distancing and social gathering restrictions must be adhered to.
The Government of Alberta’s guidance for playgrounds document for COVID-19 states, “To ensure the safety of children, families and communities, individuals should take precautions when visiting playgrounds.”
Using playgrounds comes with the risk of the virus spreading because children may find it difficult to avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth after using the equipment. This can lead to the spread of the virus to the playground equipment, other children, and other families.
The City of Wetaskiwin’s public parks and trails remain open.
shaela.dansereau@pipestoneflyer.ca
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