Frustrated parents demand playgrounds reopen

Leading medical experts and frustrated parents are calling for playgrounds to reopen, saying the ban is detrimental to the mental health of Victorian children.

Leading medical experts are calling for playgrounds to reopen on Thursday, saying their closure does little to stop the spread of coronavirus but is harming children’s mental health.

Playgrounds, skate parks and basketball courts were dramatically taped off when the state government announced on August 16 it was strengthening lockdown, two weeks into the shutdown.

With lockdown extended again and parents pleading for a reprieve, experts have told the Herald Sun they could all be reopened safely.

University of Sydney infectious diseases paediatrician Professor Robert Booy said playgrounds were unlikely places for transmission.

“The closures have amounted to a belt and braces approach that may turn out to be perhaps a bit too draconian,” Prof Booy said.

“If children are supervised, so they’re not close to each other and wear masks if there is any crowding, it reduces the risk even further in a playground setting.”

Sophia Samargis, 12 at her local park in Hughesdale. Picture: David Geraghty

Professor Ivo Mueller, an epidemiologist and the joint head of population health and immunity at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said there was only modest evidence closing playgrounds would have much effect on Covid transmission overall.

“Closing them … has very significant effects on the health of both children and their parents, in particular those living in small apartments and townhouses without access to a private, open backyard,” he said. “For these families, access to parks and playgrounds for their two hours of outdoor exercise a day is essential for both their mental and physical health.”

Health authorities have previously referred to one possible case of transmission between two children at a playground, but have since refused to provide further details on the investigation.

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute group leader Professor Fiona Russell, who led a study of Covid-19 school closures last year, said Melbourne’s playground shutdown should be reconsidered.

“We haven’t seen strong evidence of transmission occurring outside, although it may be theoretically possible,” Prof Russell said.

“We know there is a mental health silent pandemic happening alongside this pandemic and it’s so critical that it gets the same amount of attention that Covid does.”

Fergus and Kate Allen with their children Lola, 11, Harvey, 9, and Cooper, 4 months, at their local playground in Mornington. Picture: David Geraghty

Prof Russell said there were more young people in hospital requiring mental health support, compared to young people with Covid.

“There has been an increase in people in hospital, including teenagers, because of the effect of school closures and other restrictions … the mental health of the families deteriorates,” she said.

“It’s important that children can get out and play and interact with other children.”

Deakin University chair of epidemiology Professor Cath­erine Bennett said authorities would need to consider how to make playgrounds safe, if the ban was to continue beyond Thursday.

“I think longer-term, if we have to keep extending lockdowns then we have to look at playgrounds as an important part of children’s fitness and parents’ sanity,” Prof Bennett said. “Parents know to wipe down each piece of equipment and touch points when kids are finished, some of these measures might open them up again in a controlled and safe way.”

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Professor Tony Blakely supported the closure of playgrounds as a short-term measure until September 2. He said the lockdown, before it was strengthened, was not reducing case numbers so “we had to try to do more to tip the balance”, Prof Blakely said.

Kim Tomasello with her kids, Maddie, 12 and Mackenzie, 1, and friend Ella, 12, at their local playground, closed due to Covid restrictions. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“Things like curfews, playgrounds being shut, not taking masks off to drink beer, don’t have a major effect on the economy,” he said. “I support the strong measures until Thursday. If it’s not causing the numbers to go down, we need to rethink.”

Joanna and Peter Samargis of Hughesdale are among the Victorian parents calling for playgrounds to reopen, saying their 12-year-old daughter Sophia “extremely missed” visiting them.

“Children are already so restricted with what they can do, it’s just so hard for them,” Ms Samargis said.

“Going to the local playground is an outlet for children, it gives them a sense of normality and they can socialise with other children. We just really hope they reopen soon.”

Kim Tomasello of Oakleigh East said her older daughter Maddy caught up with friends at the park nearby most days after school.

“They haven’t wrapped the park in tape, but most people are staying away,” she said.