Playgrounds are off-limits in many parts of the country, including Belleville, Ont., as the community looks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk says Belleville city staff initiated the closures on Monday after consulting with Hasting Prince Edward Public Health. “We don’t have the ability to properly sanitize playground equipment, and we believe this decision will protect everyone, not only children,” said Panciuk via Skype.
Panciuk told Global News on Wednesday that the decision wasn’t easy, as many families in the area are cooped up in their homes with small children as they self-isolate. “We encourage people to go outside to walk and to exercise and enjoy the fresh air,” said Panciuk, adding, “I know this is