The District of Squamish is closing playgrounds on municipal property today to prevent children from potentially transmitting the COVID-19 virus.
Parks crews are cordoning off playgrounds with caution tape and district is asking citizens to respect the decision.
The district has also reached out to School District 48 to discuss extending the closure to school playgrounds, and is encouraging private strata playgrounds to follow suit.
“As a parent I know this is very challenging,” said Mayor Karen Elliott.
“These efforts are required to be in place to keep our elderly family members and other vulnerable people safe. Self-discipline today is imperative to flatten the curve so that our health care system can keep up.”
The closure follows other municipalities who have taken this step.
In a recent press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said parents should not be letting children have play dates and go onto playgrounds with other groups of children as they can transmit the virus and bring it home.
District of Squamish is also emphasizing social distance, and has expressed concerns that people are not taking it seriously.
“Essential trips to get groceries and supplies, and to get to work should be the only trips we’re taking to limit the transmission in these crucial weeks. Stay two metres away from one another and wash your hands, a lot,” continues Elliott.