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Â鶹ÊÓƵ has started reopening its children's play areas today (Wednesday 22 July).

The Council operates 41 children's outdoor play areas which have been closed since the country went into lockdown in March to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In line with the easing of Government restrictions, sites are being reopened on a rolling programme. New signage will be displayed, with parents and carers also encouraged to do their bit to help keep themselves, their children, families and others safe.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "We know that many families will be pleased to see our much-loved play areas being reopened, enabling their children to have fun and burn off some of their energy from all that time indoors.

"Since the Government announced that parks could reopen from 4 July, our teams have been working extremely hard reviewing the new guidance, updating risk assessments and arranging new signage for every site across the Borough. This work has been essential in order to help keep our play areas as safe as possible."

Signs are being replaced to remind parents and carers about the risks of Covid-19 and how they can help to keep their youngsters safe, highlighting social distancing rules and guidance around regular hand washing.

If play areas look busy, then parents should consider waiting or returning another time. Children must also be accompanied by an adult.

Anyone showing symptoms of Covid-19, or has anyone in their family showing symptoms, should not visit play areas and stay at home.

Councillor Dixon said: "Although we have put some measures in place, it is simply not possible to ensure all areas will be Covid-free, given the number and size of each site and the complexity of the equipment that would need to be regularly sanitised. We also cannot supervise every site.

"If families choose to visit our play areas then it is vital that they use them responsibly, with parents and carers urged to respect the rules and to take extra care to help protect their children, themselves and others.

"We stress the importance of regular hand washing and would encourage them to carry cleansing wipes, or sanitising gels, and use them with their children before, during and after visiting our play parks as well as washing hands thoroughly when they get home. We all need to work together to keep our communities safe."

All children's play areas are expected to be reopened by the weekend.

For further information about Â鶹ÊÓƵ managed play areas visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk Follow the Council on social media: on Facebook STynesideCouncil and on Twitter @STyne_Council