Parks and playgrounds remain open — City of North Bay

The City of North Bay confirms its parks and playgrounds will remain open but cautions public health protocols must be followed.

As part of the recent extension to six weeks of the stay-at-home order in Ontario, increased measures called for playgrounds to be closed. Those provincial regulations have been amended.

Ontario's Ford government had a change of heart over the weekend and will no longer require playgrounds to be closed. Sports fields and courts remain closed to the public, according to the province.

See related: Ontario walks back new pandemic police powers following widespread backlash

The Canadian Press reported the closing of outdoor spaces had public health experts questioning the reasoning behind the move.

"Outdoor activities are vital for mental and physical health, especially with stay-at-home orders," Dr. Isaac Bogoch, who sits on the province’s COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force, said in a tweet.

"Science is clear: Outdoor COVID transmission is extremely rare."

Provincial regulations have been amended to no longer require playgrounds to be closed. Please remember to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others. Sports fields/courts are closed to the public according to the latest provincial announcements. pic.twitter.com/2pLSTvtGE2

— City of North Bay (@cityofnorthbay) April 19, 2021

"Ontario’s enhanced restrictions were always intended to stop large gatherings where spread can happen," Premier Ford said, Saturday. "Our regulations will be amended to allow playgrounds, but gatherings outside will still be enforced."

The City reminds citizens who attend municipal parks or playgrounds to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from others who are not members of their household. 

With files from the Canadian Press