Splash pads to reopen, outdoor visits also resuming for long-term care

The Ford government has decided to go ahead and allow for splash pads to reopen across the province after the mayor of Ottawa asked Premier Ford to reconsider the move as temperatures soar.

In a statement to 680 NEWS, a spokesperson says splash pads will reopen on Saturday.

“Recognizing that splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreational amenities, can be safely enjoyed, we have amended the regulation to align splash pads/spray pads with other outdoor recreational amenities,” said spokesperson Alexandra Hilkene.

“Splash/spray pads, like other outdoor recreation amenities, will be allowed to open on 12:01 a.m. on May 22.”

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson called on Ontarians to let provincial legislators know they want to see the amenities greenlit to open this weekend alongside golf courses.

People will be able to tee off starting Saturday under Premier Ford’s newly released COVID-19 reopening plan.

Tennis courts, skateboarding parks and archery ranges will be welcome to visitors this weekend and this will now include splash pads.

Meantime, the province will also allow outdoor visits at long-term care again, beginning on Saturday.

The directives for those visits are as follows:

• A maximum of two general visitors at a time per resident in addition to two essential caregiver(s).
• Children under the age of two years do not count towards the general visitor maximum.
• General visitors need to be actively screened upon arrival and should not proceed beyond entry points / areas in homes.
• General visitors do not need to undergo a rapid antigen test as their visit will be outdoors.
• General visitors need to maintain physical distancing and wear masks and every effort should be made to ensure different groups of visitors are also physically distanced.
• Recognizing that not all homes have enough outdoor space, these visits may also take place in the general vicinity of the home. Homes should leverage nearby amenities such as local parks or parkettes to enable family and friends to visit their loved ones.

– With files from Lucas Casaletto