Designated locations for over 70s to exercise
A NUMBER of locations in Wicklow’s five Municipal Districts have been designated for people aged 70 and over to exercise outdoors.
The special designation is also open to people who are medically vulnerable and will operate between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. for the next couple of months.
Since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced on March 27, older and vulnerable people have been requested to cocoon themselves as a protective measure. However, those restrictions were eased from Tuesday, May 5 to allow over 70s go outside.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Irene Winters, said: ‘We are very conscious of the challenges COVID-19 has presented for us all, individuals, families and communities and the impact it has had on our daily lives. Normal life as we knew it has temporarily ceased to exist and the impact on the more vulnerable in our society has been even greater. We are reaching out to the goodwill of all citizens to embrace this request and to leave this two hour period as a quiet, dedicated space for those who have been cocooning.’
The designated areas include the promenade from the pier to the playground in Wicklow town, Burnaby Park in Greystones, Tinahely Railway Walk, Baltinglass Park, Shillelagh Park, the Riverwalk in Arklow, Bray Promenade (not restricting access to the beach) and the People’s Park in Bray.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Mr Frank Curran, stated: ‘The continued protection of elderly people and those with underlying health conditions is hugely important to us all as we move through the various phases of the Government’s five stage plan to ease the COVID-19 restrictions and reopen Ireland’s economy and society. It is hoped that by the Council introducing these small measures that it will assist to reduce the spread of the virus in the community particularly for the most vulnerable as they go outside for exercise and fresh air.’
Wicklow County Council urges members of the public to strictly adhere to the two metres physical distancing measures and to avoid other people as much as possible when out exercising.