Playgrounds closed in Calgary, but people still encouraged to go outside

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — In a Monday update from the Emergency Operations Centre, Calgary officials detailed some new moves to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

First off, access will be limited to the Municipal Complex except for planning and development, Enmax, and tax desks.

Also, the city is directing that all playgrounds be closed immediately so that kids are less susceptible to contracting the virus.

Finally, more moves are being made to help the homeless and there are plans in place to step it up if needed.

However, with all of that said, Calgarians are still urged to get their exercise and enjoy the spring-like temperatures.

“Remember, outside is not closed. Exercise is not closed,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “It’s okay to get some fresh air, it’s okay to get some exercise. But, you have to be smart about it.”

Physical distancing guidelines still need to be practiced even though risk can be a bit lower when outdoors. Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Tom Sampson saw this first hand when he went out on to the pathways over the weekend.

“Folks, we need to do better than we are,” he said. “I saw large groups of people walking in tight, tight bundling. I know it feels good because you’re in the outdoors, but it’s not.”

Follow the six-foot rule — or as officials were putting it, one bicycle length — to ensure the virus cannot spread as easily person to person.

You should also avoid using high touch surfaces like water fountains and benches, which is largely why the city decided to close down playgrounds.

“We know how to get in the outdoors and physical distance ourselves, but unfortunately our kids do not,” added Sampson.

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It may create some challenges for parents who want their children to stay active, but parks and pathways are still open for the time being, and you can find a nice wide open space to get some activity in.

Nenshi also encouraged Calgarians to stick close to home, rather than driving to other parks, so that they are not overcrowded and you can get to know your neighbourhood a little bit better.

The Mayor noted that a major concern persisting in the city is the homeless population, as people in shelters or sleeping on the streets can have a harder time distancing themselves and have less access to personal hygiene services.

Immediate moves are being made to reduce the population in shelters, while staff are also being given proper protective gear while also screening clients upon entry.

If the need arises, hotel rooms will be used to house people who do not need 24/7 services and Nenshi said this has shown another indication of the community helping out when needed.

“We put a call out through the Hotel Association and were overwhelmed with hoteliers in Calgary who want to help. And that has been fantastic,” Nenshi said.

This will ultimately come under the direction of Alberta Health.

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While some people may be feeling uneasy or antsy about being kept at home for most of the time, Nenshi said it is not the time to panic and there’s no need to put curfews in place or give police the power to prosecute people who leave their homes — as long as the wider population listens to the directives and we can succeed in flattening the curve.

At the end of the day, it comes down to making a few small sacrifices.

“Don’t go out, don’t invite people over for dinner parties even if they’re small,” said Nenshi. “We’ve got to look after everybody.”