Boost for children as borough re-opens all of its playgrounds
FAMILIES ENCOURAGED TO STAY CAUTIOUS IN PARKS
AFTER being closed to help reduce the coronavirus infection rate, Rushmoor Borough Council announced last week that its play areas are now able to re-open.
Children in Aldershot and Farnborough were able to play in their local play areas on Thursday for the first time in more than a month.
All 39 of the borough’s play areas were closed on January 14 in a bid to help tackle the sharply rising coronavirus infection numbers – at the time the area had the seventh-highest rate of infection in England.
Information available at the time of closure showed Rushmoor’s rate of infection had risen to 1,191.3 (the seven-day rate to January 9). Since then, the third national lockdown had helped see the rate decrease to 133.2 by February 13.
In a statement on its Facebook page last week, the borough council said: “We are pleased to confirm that our children’s play areas are now able to re-open and should all be reopened by tomorrow morning for families to enjoy.
“Although it’s good to see a steady reduction in coronavirus infection figures in Aldershot and Farnborough, we do need to ask for your continued help to keep the playgrounds as safe as possible”.
Families are encouraged to stay cautious and sensible by using hand sanitiser before and after using the play equipment, washing hands when returning home, keeping at least two metres away from other families and not entering the playground if it already looks busy.
Face coverings are also being recommended to offer extra protection, with signage in place to guide families.
In line with the ongoing national restrictions, Rushmoor’s skate parks, sports courts and outdoor fitness equipment will remain closed.