COVID safety measures in place as Peterborough parks set to open

Yesterday it was confirmed that more than 150 play areas in Peterborough are to be reopened this week for the first time since lockdown.

Councillor Steve Allen, cabinet member for culture and recreation for Peterborough City Council, said: “Playgrounds are an important asset for our children so it’s great news that we are now able to open our play areas in the city. Safety of our residents had to come first and in order to comply with government guidance we have had to inspect and carry out risk assessments on over 150 play areas and put into place sufficient measures to manage the risk of covid-19 before getting approval from public health to reopen.

“We have had to take into account size, equipment and how the play areas are organised and operated, for instance limiting the number of swings. We have taken all steps we can to minimise the risk of covid-19, however we recognise that it is not possible to completely eliminate that risk.

“Coronavirus has not gone away and we all need to continue to follow the rules and stay alert and stay safe. New signage is being installed in the play areas to remind visitors of what they can do to safeguard themselves and other visitors.”

Visitors to play areas are urged to take the following measures:

· To stay home if showing symptoms of covid-19

· To socially distance at all times and use the play area in a clockwise direction

· Only one household at a time on each item of equipment

· Bring hand sanitiser gel or wipes and wash hands before and after use

· To bring their own towel and hygiene products and wipe down equipment before and after use – particularly on touch points such as swings, see saws and exercise bars

· Avoid touching faces and putting hands in their mouth

· To cough or sneeze into a tissue or arm

· Consumption of food and drink is not permitted in the play area

· Dispose of all rubbish, including masks, gloves and wipes, in the litter bins or take home.

Each play area will have signage which includes the maximum number of people allowed in the play area at one time. If the play area is busy we would urge visitors to come back later.

A list of council run play areas and their open and closed status can be found here: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/leisure-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces