Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM has announced that on the advice of NSW Police, Council is closing children's playgrounds, play equipment and outdoor gym equipment in the City's parks and reserves.
"Police tell us that on occasions, these areas are being used for 'recreation' which is not permitted under the current Health Orders and this poses a risk of people 'gathering' and spreading the COVID 19 virus." Mayor Bleasdale said.
Council staff will cordon off the playgrounds and erect signs advising of the changes.
The closures don't prevent children from exercising in the City's parks, reserves and playing fields under the supervision of parents or carers and within the strict guidelines for areas of concern: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-area
In other developments, after the arrival of 1 million Pfizer doses from Poland, Health NSW advises there are 49,000 vaccination bookings available this week at Qudos Bank Arena, Olympic Park, for 'authorised' workers from Western Sydney aged between 16-to-39.
Bookings can be made on the NSW Health COVID website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/authorised-worker-priority-appointments
Blacktown City Council is reminding residents that if they need to self-isolate and can't work while waiting for a COVID-19 test result, they may be eligible for the Test and Isolate support payment, details at: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-test-and-isolate-support-payment
Mayor Bleasdale is urging all residents that to end the lockdowns, they should stay at home, wear a mask when outside your home, get tested if you have any cold or flu symptoms and get vaccinated.
Pic: Blacktown City Council is closing off playgrounds in the City's parks and reserves.
