Division News Article

School playgrounds reopen to the public

June 3rd, 2020

As part of the province’s stage 1 relaunch, our school playgrounds have reopened to the public with some restrictions. Playground users must comply with gathering restrictions and maintain physical distancing of 2 metres between individuals not from the same household.

To ensure the safety of children, families and communities, individuals should take precautions when visiting playgrounds as outlined in the Guidelines for Playgrounds.

COVID-19 Risk Mitigation – Individual Actions and Precautions

  • Those who are sick or have symptoms related to COVID-19 must not use playgrounds.
  • Encourage children to avoid sharing toys or sports equipment and limit contact with individuals outside of their household or cohort family.
  • Clean and disinfect toys and sports equipment prior to and after use.
  • Caution should be taken around playground equipment.
  • Practise proper hand hygiene.
    • Wash your hands frequently.
    • Refrain from touching your face with unclean hands.
    • Carry and use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol content immediately before and after using playground equipment.
  • Consider limiting children and other members of your household to only visiting playgrounds that are close to your home. This will help limit the number of people your family may come into contact with.
  • Maintain physical distancing and limit congregating with other people when entering and leaving the playground and supervising children playing (e.g. paths, benches, picnic areas).
  • Individuals should maintain physical distancing when returning to vehicles or homes.

Signs have been posted at all school playgrounds. We strongly encourage playground users to follow the above recommendations. Our structures are not sanitized and all playground equipment is to be used at your own risk.

Most importantly, stay safe while you have fun!