Ford reverses decision to close Ontario's playgrounds due to COVID-19

The Government of Ontario will not be closing the province’s playgrounds.

Premier Doug Ford announced on April 17 that he would be reversing a newly-adopted public health measure less than 24 hours after it took effect.

“Ontario’s enhanced restrictions were always intended to stop large gatherings where spread can happen,” Ford tweeted.

“Our regulations will be amended to allow playgrounds but gatherings outside will still be enforced. Play outside safely. Parents keep your distance and wear masks if you can’t.”

Ontario’s enhanced restrictions were always intended to stop large gatherings where spread can happen.

Our regulations will be amended to allow playgrounds but gatherings outside will still be enforced. Play outside safely. Parents keep your distance & wear masks if you can’t.

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 17, 2021

• See also:
  • Everything you need to know about Ontario’s new COVID-19 restrictions
  • Ontario extending Stay-at-Home order, adding provincial checkpoints to help curb COVID-19
  • Toronto Police say they won’t randomly stop people or cars during Stay-at-Home order

On Friday, Ford announced several new restrictions intended to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 in Ontario. The province-wide Stay-at-Home order has been extended as well.

Among the measures was the closure of outdoor recreational amenities, such as golf courses, basketball courts, soccer fields, and playgrounds.

Although the latter will not be shut down, the other measures Ford implemented seem to be going ahead, despite their potential violation of people’s rights.

To date, Ontario has seen 412,745 COVID-19 cases and 7,698 virus-related deaths.