In good news for families, Whyalla’s playgrounds are set to re-open.
The playgrounds were closed in response to the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the beginning of April, Council taped off and erected ‘closed’ signage at all playgrounds and they have remained closed since.
However, COVID-19 cases in South Australia have been sustained at very low levels and there is no current evidence of community transmission.
As a result, the risk of COVID-19 transmission from outdoor parks, playgrounds and equipment is considered low and can be managed by following important social distancing and hygiene precautions.
The Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier, has now recommended that it is safe to re-open parks and playgrounds.
Council has noted this advice and is preparing for the re-opening of all twenty-seven playgrounds.
The community is asked to be patient for a little longer as Council works through a process and undertakes a full safety inspection of each playground prior to re-opening.
It is anticipated that all playgrounds will be open by the end of this week.
The skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment will also re-open.
Residents are reminded that the 1.5m social distancing rule still applies, as does the requirement of no gatherings larger than 10 persons.
The re-opening of the playgrounds is great news for the wellbeing of Whyalla’s children and sends a strong message to our community that our collective efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 have been worthwhile.