Premier Doug Ford has backtracked on at least one provision of new COVID-19 measures announced Friday, saying playgrounds will be allowed to remain open.
The provincial government had sparked criticism from public health experts and online fury from parents after announcing most outdoor recreation amenities, including playgrounds, soccer fields, and basketball courts, would be ordered closed.
On Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours later, Ford announced on social media the government would amend the orders to exempt playgrounds. It was not initially clear if that would apply to other outdoor recreation amenities as well.
Ontario’s enhanced restrictions were always intended to stop large gatherings where spread can happen.
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) April 17, 2021
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.
At least one Ontario mayor had signalled his intention Saturday to challenge the rules around playgrounds and open spaces.
"I will be consulting City Council & our solicitor on whether we can legally decline a provincial order," said Brampton mayor Patrick Brown, a former Ontario PC leader, on Twitter. "The medical advice has been clear that outdoor recreation should stay open."
