Premier Doug Ford has backtracked on at least one provision of new COVID-19 measures announced Friday, saying playgrounds will be allowed to remain open.
The provincial government had sparked criticism from public health experts and online fury from parents after announcing most outdoor recreation amenities, including playgrounds, soccer fields, and basketball courts, would be ordered closed.
On Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours later, Ford announced on social media the government would amend the orders to exempt playgrounds. It was not initially clear if that would apply to other outdoor recreation amenities as well.
New provincial regulations prohibiting people from gathering outdoors with members of other households will remain in place, Ford said. Those rules include an exception for those living alone.
Earlier on Saturday, Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman said on social media that closing playgrounds "makes zero sense."
When the premier's updated the situatoin surrounding playgrounds, Lehman responded with this tweet: "Excellent decision. Thank you for rethinking this, Premier. Play safe everyone!"
Ontario’s enhanced restrictions were always intended to stop large gatherings where spread can happen.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 17, 2021
Our regulations will be amended to allow playgrounds but gatherings outside will still be enforced. Play outside safely. Parents keep your distance & wear masks if you can’t.
