Harlow Council have taken action to temporarily close its playgrounds.
A statement from Brian Keane, Chief Executive of Harlow Council read:
“Due to the current high infection rates of coronavirus in Harlow, we have regrettably taken the decision to temporarily close all our playgrounds across the town from tonight (15 January 2021).
“This decision will be kept under review. This isn’t a decision we want to take, but it is one which aims to keep everyone safe by stopping the spread of the virus and bring rates of infection in the town down. Whilst we know that playgrounds are important for children’s play, we have to consider the wider impact on the community of keeping them open at this time. Social distancing is difficult to maintain within playgrounds especially when large numbers of families are using them.
“These will be temporary closures and when it is safe to do so the playgrounds will reopen. We want to make it clear that we don’t want to discourage residents and families from continuing to go outside for their once a day exercise. Harlow still has plenty of open green spaces, within walking distance from people’s homes, for people to safely remain active.”
