City of Powell River and School District 47 (SD47) have closed all playgrounds effective immediately and until further notice due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.
According to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, children’s playdates and playing on playground equipment are activities where COVID-19 can be transmitted and the virus can then be brought home to the family, a media release from the city stated.
Playgrounds in Powell River will be taped off and the city and school district ask the public to observe the closures.
It is important to get outside for fresh air during home isolation, according to Henry, and she encourages going for a walk with children and going to the park.
Currently, Willingdon Beach park and trail, Millennium Park trails, all other city parks and the sea walk remain open, however that status is reviewed daily, the release stated. The city is asking people to enjoy the parks and trails responsibly and observe two-metre physical-distancing and not to congregate in groups.
The city is closely monitoring the COVID-19 emergency and follows the orders and recommendations of the provincial health officer and the federal and provincial governments.
