Many residents enjoyed the the warm sunny weather over the weekend, with families out on their bikes and strolling in nearby parks.
But there are some still unsure of what's allowed and what's not during the stay-at-home order, which is in effect until May 6.
According to the order, “passive activity and exercise (not in groups or teams) is encouraged, and so parks and playgrounds remain open during daylight hours.” Enforcement will attend these premises only in the case of reported violations of the stay-at-home order.
A permitted outdoor recreational amenity may only open if:
- Physical distance of at least two metres can be maintained.
- Team sports, or other sports of games where people may come within two metres of each other, are not practiced or played.
There has been some confusion over the rules in town. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury have apologized and assure that enforcement officers are only closing park facilities at night due to issues with gathering after hours.
“The parks are to be open during the day for activities as permitted under the stay-at-home order,” explains Caleigh Clubine, community relations officer for the town. “That essentially means no public gatherings and no sports, but passive activity and use of playground equipment is permitted.”
Enforcement will only respond to COVID issues related to gatherings and team sports in groups not from the same household.
While these restrictions are temporary, an evaluation by the chief medical officer of health and other health experts will be made after the 28-day emergency order to determine if these restrictions will need to be extended.
To help stop the spread of Covid-19, gatherings should always be limited to family households only with continued mask-wearing when necessary.
For a more detailed list of what is ‘allowed’ and what is open, visit: COVID-19 public health measures and advice | COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Ontario
