Gov’t says outdoor playgrounds, beaches to open Friday

Kids and parents in Saskatchewan are about to get some relief Friday.

The provincial government announced Monday outdoor playgrounds, beaches and associated washrooms that were closed to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 are to reopen Friday.

The government stressed physical distancing and frequent hand-washing will be required for people who want to make use of those facilities. As well, guidelines for the diligent cleaning and disinfection of rental equipment and washrooms are provided for those running these area.

“As long as we give each other space both on the sand, on the grassy areas and in the water, it is reasonable that we can enjoy our beaches, parks and playgrounds fairly safely,” chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said at a new conference at the legislature Monday.

Shahab acknowledged there have been frustrations from many parents and families through the pandemic.

“A week or two ago I observed some older children using school playgrounds and this weekend actually I saw a bit of a toddler playground rebellion where I saw some parents cutting away the tapes in and around the city and putting their toddlers on swings,” Shahab said.

“I think there is a lot of frustration and in B.C. for example some playgrounds are open and I understand the need for parents to get their children out, but there needs to be some guidance on hand sanitization and so forth. There’s low risk right now with the low case numbers so playground use should be allowed.”

Shahab is asking the public to follow all municipal signage and to give time for municipalities to prepare the parks, especially if grass needs cutting or signage needs to be posted.

There is some precaution to using public washrooms but those running the facilities will be provided guidance as well as those who rent kayaks and other equipment that is being allowed as part of this reopening.

Phase 3 of the government’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan took effect Monday, with restaurants and bars able to open at 50 per cent capacity.

Places of worship and child-care facilities were able to expand their services, while gyms and other fitness facilities also were permitted to reopen. So too were personal care services that didn’t open in Phase 2.

The number of people who can attend gatherings increased to a maximum of 15 for indoor get-togethers and 30 for outdoor gatherings. The previous limit was 10.

Also Monday, the government lifted travel restrictions that had been in place in northwestern Saskatchewan. That ban took effect April 24.

La Loche, which had yet to enter the first two phases of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan because of the high number of cases in that area, started reopening via those two stages Monday.

The guidelines for beaches can be found on Page 70 and the guidelines for parks can be found on Page 75 of the Re-Open Saskatchewan plan that is posted below.