Blacktown City Council closes playgrounds amid growing Covid-19 spread

Blacktown City Council warns playgrounds are becoming sites for gatherings and closing them is the best way to keep the community safe.

Playgrounds and outdoor exercise equipment in Blacktown City Council have been closed over fears Covid-19 could be spreading in parks.

The recommendation of the NSW government and local police to close off the facilities comes after NSW recorded its worst day of Covid-19 cases on Wednesday with 633 cases.

In a statement on Facebook, Blacktown City Council said playgrounds “can attract gatherings (of people) and result in the spread of the virus to children and adults alike”.

Playgrounds in Blacktown City Council have been closed over fears they are providing opportunities for Covid-19 to spread. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

“As the numbers of people testing positive to Covid-19 continues to climb, we are determined to act in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of our residents,” the council said.

“Please note that the latest closures and the new health advice do not restrict children from walking, running, exercising and playing in our parks and playing fields under the supervision of parents or carers.”

Melbourne’s playgrounds were closed earlier this week. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Earlier this week, Melbourne’s playgrounds and skate parks were closed amid the city’s sixth lockdown to curb the spread of the virus.

A number of Victoria’s new infections this week are suspected of originating from outdoor transmission.

Two playgrounds are among the new Melbourne exposure sites released on Wednesday night.

While early on in the pandemic it was believed Covid-19 could spread via surfaces, it has since been confirmed the risk is low, and any transmission that occurs at a playground is likely because of people being near each other.