Enjoying summer safely
Pittsburgh and other municipalities are reopening playgrounds, ballfields, basketball and tennis courts and other facilities that are typically enjoyed by thousands during the summer months. It’s good to return to some sense of normalcy, but that doesn’t mean that safety protocols are no longer necessary.
Much as we would like to have it so, the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended and in fact is surging in some parts of the country and the world. While the reopening of facilities in the area is a welcome sign of improvement from the months-long shutdowns, it’s important to remember that social distancing, handwashing and other safety guidelines remain in effect.
The city of Pittsburgh, for instance, recently announced that permits for block parties and special events for outdoor groups will be allowed, but the limit of 250 attendees remains in effect, and organizers must include a COVID-19 safety plan.
Likewise, organized sports will be permitted to resume — under safety guidelines — and ballfields and openair park shelters will once again be made available for rental. Nothing says summer like picnics in the park or watching youth baseball games, and being outdoors is good for both the body and soul, especially after long periods of remaining indoors to try and contain the spread of COVID19. Health experts only warn that commonsense safety approaches need to remain in place.
For instance, Pittsburgh officials note that playground equipment in city parks will be cleaned regularly, but parents and caregivers should make sure children wash their hands before and after using the equipment. Restrooms and water fountains will remain closed, so bring water when you are enjoying the outdoors.
The communities that are planning to reopen public swimming pools are doing so with limitations on the number of attendees at any given time, social distancing of lounge chairs and limited concession stand operations.
It’s not the summer anyone could have envisioned, but community leaders are doing their best to reopen facilities while still adhering to safety guidelines. A lot of the responsibility now falls to those using the facilities to make sure safety from COVID-19 is still practiced.