Back into swing of things
hildren, pentup at home for weeks on end, are desperate to let off steam. With lockdown rules gradually easing, and some green spaces reopening to visitors, families will this coming weekend be allowed to return to public playgrounds.
Outdoor play areas, outside gyms, cinemas and restaurants with outdoor spaces can reopen on July 4 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the Super Saturday move into next phase of lockdown exit.
Relaxation of measures will mean reopening of at least some of the businesses that have had to close including public places and leisure facilities but they will have to meet coronavirus protection measures.
The government’s guidelines have allowed some outdoor facilities including golf courses and basketball courts to reopen their doors to the public.
The government has previously said that playgrounds are a high-risk area for the spread of coronavirus.
The COVID-19 recovery strategy document states “You will not be able to use areas like playgrounds, outdoor gyms or ticketed outdoor leisure centre, where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces.”
The government’s guidance for parents and carers says: “Regardless of their age, this may be a difficult time for children and young people. Some may react immediately, while others may show signs of difficulty later on.”
The guidance states that creating a new routine could be helpful, as routine “gives children and young people an increased feeling of safety in the context of uncertainty”.
It states that you should “look out for any changes in their behaviour” and that you should “listen to them, acknowledge their concern and give them extra love and attention if they need it”.
MindEd is also a free online educational resource on children and young people’s mental health, which you can access at www.minded.org. uk website.
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