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Original poster

Anyone worried about playgrounds & COVID?

43 replies

angel24711 · 04/01/2021 19:48

Just that really, live in London, we have stopped going, my children are NOT delighted. We see them at a distance and they are packed.
No ones socially distancing. Is it just me worrying???

OP posts:
Bigtom · 04/01/2021 19:49

I’m not worried. The risk of transmission outside is very low. And it’s important children have opportunities to play outside normally.

skipperjonce · 04/01/2021 19:54

It's just you

Ostryga · 04/01/2021 19:55

Outside transmission is so low. Just wash hands and don’t lick the slide.

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RoseHipps · 04/01/2021 19:56

It’s not just you. I think it seems crazy that the playgrounds are still open. The ones where I live are so busy and there is no social distancing. Some of them have been closed by the council but ignorant parents have been lifting them over the closed gates. Police were called and they were fined.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 04/01/2021 19:58

Busy ones.. I personally would avoid.
Empty ones... I would use.

Somethingvague · 04/01/2021 19:59

I'm more worried about them closing again. Very worried about entertaining my toddler in these cold months. If worried go early or late and anti bac hands lots.

NannyGythaOgg · 04/01/2021 20:04

You are worrying about nothing.

Your child is more likely to get hurt in an accident there, on the way there and on the way back than to catch anything (other than possibly noro) at a play park.

SpaceRaiders · 04/01/2021 20:05

Closing them during the first lockdown was a bit heavy handed. Just keep away if it’s too busy.

sunlightbuttons · 04/01/2021 20:06

I'm not worried. If you are, don't go.

Igglepigglesgrubbyblanket · 04/01/2021 20:07

I'm worried they'll close. Not worried about using them

Delta1 · 04/01/2021 20:07

@Igglepigglesgrubbyblanket

I'm worried they'll close. Not worried about using them
Same here
Original poster
angel24711 · 04/01/2021 20:08

Really? Boris Johnson just said that schools are a vector for social engagement and transmission.
I really hear your comments on the importance of play. I was worrying about transmission from the number of surfaces and children & adults in close contact

OP posts:
donewithitalltodayandxmas · 04/01/2021 21:32

I would avoid busy ones as we don't know if new strain is as hard to get outside yet
But would use quiet ones or go at times less popular

sunlightbuttons · 04/01/2021 21:42

OP, they're in school for hours on end in an enclosed space. It's hardly the same thing.

I'm not saying there's no risk whatsoever. But the risk is extremely low and not in any way comparable with school. And in any case, I think there does come a point where you have to look at whether the risks outweigh the benefits. My kids can't go to school, can't see their family, can't do ballet/swimming/football, can't go to soft play. I think they've sacrificed enough already.

donewithitalltodayandxmas · 04/01/2021 21:52

@sunlightbuttons I think theres also using judgement , would you ket your kids into a playground that was packed with nO sd , between adults etc , everyone was up in arms when people were in beaches
I think its a case of being sensible playground packed , come back later, playground being used but not people on top of each other then I would use.

pollylocketpickedapocket · 04/01/2021 21:54

@skipperjonce

It's just you
Agree,
FatGirlShrinking · 04/01/2021 21:56

Not even a little bit worried no.

It's outside, if the playground was heaving I'd avoid it, but otherwise the kids are not playing together just in the same general area. Keep hand sanitiser in your pocket to clean their hands and don't let them lick the slide and you'll be fine.

SimonJT · 04/01/2021 21:56

No, we’re in North London, we rarely have to share the playground and my son is now fairly reliable at not touching his face while playing.

pollylocketpickedapocket · 04/01/2021 21:57

@sunlightbuttons

OP, they're in school for hours on end in an enclosed space. It's hardly the same thing.

I'm not saying there's no risk whatsoever. But the risk is extremely low and not in any way comparable with school. And in any case, I think there does come a point where you have to look at whether the risks outweigh the benefits. My kids can't go to school, can't see their family, can't do ballet/swimming/football, can't go to soft play. I think they've sacrificed enough already.

Exactly, some people just won’t be happy until the army are patrolling and beating us back up our paths.
museumum · 04/01/2021 21:58

No. But I don’t get anywhere near other adults and my ds uses hand sanitiser before and after.

dusty88 · 04/01/2021 21:59

Christ let the poor kids have something...Hmm

bookworm14 · 04/01/2021 22:01

If you’re so worried don’t bloody use them. But please don’t try and take away the last vaguely social activity available to my only child DD.

legalseagull · 04/01/2021 22:17

My toddler fell off the slide yesterday and banged his head. Doesn't mean I won't let him go back in a playground. The risk of catching covid outdoors, not to mention in the all the rain we've had is minimal

Justcallmecaptainobvious · 04/01/2021 22:17

I’m fine with using them, but, the ones round us are deserted (well they have been, who knows what’ll happen now). If they were busy (enough that I was having to intervene to ensure distance) I wouldn’t be happy about going.

thinkfast · 04/01/2021 23:43

We re in north London. On Xmas day our nearest playground only had about 5 or 6 other children so we went in. Since then it's been packed. No way social distancing is possible. Never seen it that busy. My kids haven't been allowed back in. They are upset about it but to me it's too risky.

If anyone knows of a quiet playground in north London, please let me know.

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