Sunderland to reopen play areas - these are the rules families must follow if they use them

Sunderland City Council will reopen the 96 spaces from July 17, after they were closed off as part of lockdown measures.

The council is advising that as it does not clean play equipment, people should wipe it down before and after a child plays, binning the used wipe.

The guidance set out by city leaders includes:

:: If you or anyone in your household has symptoms of Covid-19 - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste - stay at home and follow Government advice:: If the play area is busy and it is not possible to be more than two metres away from others, return to visit later:: Wash hands before and after a visit:: Use sanitiser to clean hands for 20 seconds before and after using the equipment:: Avoid touching your face and putting your hands in your mouth:: Observe social distancing while waiting and playing:: Only one family member should accompany one child using play equipment:: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your arm:: Put rubbish in bins – or take it home.

Deputy Council Leader and cabinet member for environment and communities Councillor Michael Mordey, said: "We know that many children and their parents and carers have been looking forward to play areas reopening but it's really important that families judge the risks for themselves before deciding whether to visit a play area and make sure that if they do go, they follow the advice and take extra care.

"Covid-19 is still very much with us and it's only by working together and all playing our part that we can hope to protect ourselves and others so it’s really important that people carry on observing social distancing and washing their hands more often for longer."

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