Playgrounds in Squamish are being closed by District of Squamish crews

The District of Squamish is closing playgrounds on municipal property today to prevent children from potentially transmitting the COVID-19 virus. Parks crews are cordoning off playgrounds with caution tape and ask residents to respect the message it sends. 

“As a parent I know this is very challenging,” says District of Squamish Mayor, Karen Elliott. “These efforts are required to be in place to keep our elderly family members and other vulnerable people safe. Self-discipline today is imperative to flatten the curve so that our health care system can keep up.”

The closure follows other municipalities who have taken this step, and the observation that not all Squamish residents are taking virus transmission and social distancing seriously enough.

In a recent press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry expressed that parents should not be letting children have playdates and go onto playgrounds with other groups of children, because they can transmit the virus and then bring it home to families.

The District has reached out to School District 48 to discuss extending the closure to school playgrounds, and encourages private (strata) playgrounds to follow suit. 

British Columbia’s Ministry of Health updates from March 20 and 21 refer to:

• Staying home as much as possible and keeping a safe distance from others when outside.
• The actions of British Columbians today will determine the impact of the virus in the coming weeks.
• Because of the incubation period and rapid transmission, the self-isolation and social distancing that we do today will benefit all of us two weeks and two months from now.

“Essential trips to get groceries and supplies, and to get to work should be the only trips we’re taking to limit the transmission in these crucial weeks. Stay two metres away from one another and wash your hands, a lot,” continues Elliott.

For recommendations on protecting yourself and your community from COVID-19 and to use an online self-assessment tool, visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/.

March 22, 2020