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.
New provincial regulations prohibiting people from gathering outdoors with members of other households will remain in place, Ford said. Those rules include an exception for those living alone.
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.
It’s uncertain exactly how the new rules will impact city services beyond the closure of outdoor recreational amenities.
