Is it Safe to Play on Playgrounds Now?

Barriers are slowly being removed from playgrounds nationwide, and it has many people asking Dr. Laura Waters with Mercy Clinic Pediatrics – HealthTracks whether it's safe to return.

"Obviously with concerns of coronavirus still around, we want to make sure we're still practicing some of those social distancing guidelines," she said.

In short, we're not going back to "normal" anytime soon.

"Make sure children are still in masks if they're around a lot of people," Dr. Waters said. "Take breaks so they can get deep breaths without those masks on, drink some water and make sure you're taking sanitizer."

Playgrounds are high-touch areas, so cleanliness is key.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the following "dos" and don'ts" for visiting parks and recreational facilities.

Do

• Visit parks that are close to your home.
• Check with the park or recreation area in advance to prepare safely and to find out if the bathroom facilities are open and what services are available.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others you don’t live with (“social distancing”) and take other steps to prevent COVID-19.
• Carefully consider use of playgrounds, and help children follow guidelines.
• Play it safe around and in swimming pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds by keeping space between yourself and others.

Don't

• Visit parks if you are sick with or tested positive for COVID-19, or if you were recently exposed to COVID-19.
• Visit crowded parks.

Still concerned about swimming? Check out our recent article here.