Sinthia Hoque:-Due to the ongoing criticism from experts, Ontario is re-evaluating the heavy restrictions put on outdoor activities. As the issue continues to be ongoing, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones has stated to CP24 that they are currently discussing what outdoor activities may possibly recommence during the stay-at-home order.
“What the scientists have told us that outdoor activities generally, if you can socially distance, keep that two meters apart, and when you can’t, mask appropriately, that having the opportunity to be outside, to get some exercise, is excellent and it is good for our mental health”, Jones stated.
In an effort to slow the spread of variants of concern, Ontario had introduced new measures regarding restrictions for outdoor activities, however, due to heavy criticism from the general public and as well as experts who questioned the efficacy of the measures given the risk a for transmissions are much lower outside.
Recreational facilities were required to shut down under provincial regulations such as picnic tables and shelters, golf courses, disk golf courses, sports courts and fields, BMX and skate parks, outdoor fitness equipment, and dry pads.
In addition, Ontario had banned playgrounds, however, due to the public backlash they had retracted the measure. There has also been a petition which calls on the province to retract all the restrictions put on outdoor activities, gathering more than 41,000 signatures.
Source: cp24
