The Ford government is ordering the closure of all communal outdoor recreational amenities across Ontario in order to help stem the transmission of COVID-19.
The order was issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act last night and is effective immediately.
It shutters spaces such as playgrounds, dog parks, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, beaches, condo parks and gardens, and other recreational facilities.
“I made a commitment to be open and upfront about what we need to do as a province to beat this virus,” said Premier Ford. “Based on the best medical advice available, we are taking further steps today to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians by closing outdoor recreational amenities, like sports fields and playgrounds, and extending our emergency orders to save lives. We all need to work together and do our part to stop COVID-19 by staying home, practising physical distancing, and avoiding social gatherings.”
“We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “We will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect Ontarians' health and wellbeing.”
Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman had a stern message yesterday for people who disobey the rules, “Don't be an idiot. You're putting people at risk!”
Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed will remain open for walkthrough access, as long as people maintain a distance of at least two metres from others.
For more details, please click here.