Playgrounds have reopened with safety measures
PLAYGROUNDS in Wales reopened this week for the first time in months.
While parks and public spaces have been slowly reopened, the playgrounds within them have remained closed since March.
However, the Welsh Government has said playgrounds could now reopen from Monday.
This is the second of a three-week package of measures to reopen large parts of Wales’s tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.
Last week First Minister, Mark Drakeford, said: “We continue to look carefully at the latest medical and scientific evidence and the current state of the virus as we make decisions to unlock our society and economy.
“With rates of the virus in Wales continuing to fall, we are able to carry on with our gradual, stepby-step lifting of the restrictions. From Monday, playgrounds and outdoor gyms will be able to reopen. Community centres will be able to increase their activity, helping local authorities provide summer holiday play schemes and childcare.”
He added: “While the removal of these restrictions allows these places to reopen, it does not require them to. The specific timings for reopening may vary from place to place as owners take assessments and make any necessary changes.
“As we take these cautious steps, no one should make the mistake of thinking the virus has gone away.
“We could find our hard work quickly undone unless we all go on playing our part, every day, and in every way we can, to keep Wales safe.”
How will playgrounds be kept safe?
Each owner or operator will be required to take all reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
The Welsh Government has provided guidance which instructs the owners and operators of playgrounds to carry out a risk assessment and put in place practical measures to minimise the risk of coronavirus.
“Each owner or operator will need to apply this guidance to the facility they are responsible for, depending on the circumstances, layout and design,” reads the guidance on the Welsh Government website.
“This will include taking account of the size, equipment and how the playground is organised, operated, and managed.
“It is not possible to completely remove all risk. But the benefits of outdoor play to children are significant and the reopening of parks supports children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. Outdoor environments are lower risk in relation to coronavirus transmission.”
Parents and guardians are being asked to make sure:
■ Children wash or hands;
■ Children don’t eat or drink in the parks;
■ You wipe down playground equipment with your own wipes;
■ You maintain low numbers within parks and on equipment by taking turns or using parks at less busy times.
What about social disfrequently sanitise their tancing?
Basically, yes, you should still social distance.
The Welsh Government advises: “Parents, guardians and older children should continue to socially distance.
“Young children and those with certain conditions will find social distancing difficult and parents and guardians should encourage this as far as possible without causing anxiety.
“Parks may suggest a maximum number of users and maximum playing time to help users to reduce contact with others and make social distancing easier for children.
“Parents and guardians will be encouraged to consider how busy a park is before visiting and making a judgement on whether social distancing is practical at that time.”
The reopening dates of these areas will be revealed later.