Playgrounds open across Waterloo region Friday

The sounds of children laughing and yelling will fill playgrounds around Waterloo region once again as they're permitted to open on Friday. 

Officials in the cities, townships and region remind parents and caregivers that with the novel coronavirus still circulating, it's important children at the playgrounds follow public health recommendations.

That includes physically distancing from other children who are not in their immediate family or personal bubble. It also includes washing their hands before and after playing on the equipment and considering wearing a mask.

Signs will be posted at the playgrounds to remind people of safety measures.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said in a statement that it has been "an unusual summer for children not being able to use their neighbourhood playgrounds. This reopening will hopefully offer them a greater sense of normalcy."

'Use a common-sense approach'

Cambridge officials noted the city has more than 65 playgrounds, so monitoring and sanitizing equipment isn't possible. 

Mayor Kathryn McGarry said in a statement that closed off playgrounds have "not been easy for little ones to see" but as children are allowed back onto them to play, "I urge parents to keep safety top of mind and use a common-sense approach when at the playgrounds."

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the region's acting medical officer of health, says as playgrounds reopen, people really need to think about what they can do to ensure they're following public health guidelines.

"Maybe waiting longer to play at a certain station if there's lots of other kids or families, that would be good," Wang said during a media briefing on Tuesday.