Government officials across the Hudson Valley are allowing residents to gather in groups, with the numbers growing as the “curve flattens.” Parents and caregivers with children who are bouncing off the walls are eager to bring them to the neighborhood park. Can we? Yes, but with these cautions:
The CDC’s latest report says that we can return, but remember that keeping socially distant can be tricky, surfaces may not be disinfected regularly, and children tend to touch everything and touch their eyes, nose and mouth. But, if parents can keep that in mind, and keep careful watch on their children, it is possible to return to the playground.
Do so with care and with reminders to your children on keeping safe.
If possible, opt for parks rather than playgrounds. Bring your own equipment, like bats, frisbees, kickballs, and the like. Clean them off when done.
If you do want to try the playground, remember these tips:
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with.
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Adults and older children who can safely use hand sanitizer: Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and rub hands together until dry, if soap and water are not readily available.
- Wear a cloth face covering if you can. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on:
- Children under age 2
- Anyone who has trouble breathing
- Anyone who is unconscious, can’t move, or is otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance
Play it safe around and in swimming pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds. Remember to keep space between yourself and others. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 cannot be spread to humans through most recreational water, and as long as they are disinfected with chlorine, the spread of COVID-19 is usually eliminated.
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