After what feels like the twelfth (or is it the thousandth?) week of what began as a two-week lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19, my children and I are itching to get back to normal. We have been cautious, steering clear of playgrounds and crowded areas as recommended.
We stand behind the efforts to flatten the curve and support healthcare professionals who have borne the brunt of this crisis. We respect the science that highlights the dangers of this virus—both its immediate and possibly long-lasting effects. People have lost their lives; the emails of condolences from local organizations have diminished but not vanished.
Yet, when the time comes for playgrounds to reopen, my family will be there. This may sound contradictory, but hear me out.
Choosing to take my kids to the playground is not a decision I take lightly. Every action has societal consequences, and the risks present in March are still a concern now in May. However, I must balance the dangers posed by the virus with the essential benefits of play, especially with new strategies in place to reduce transmission. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this virus might linger longer than we initially anticipated.
Children need to be active. They must have opportunities to run, climb, and swing. Many kids lack access to private yards and rely on playgrounds for their physical activity. When my son was diagnosed with low muscle tone, his therapist emphasized the importance of playground activity for his development. He’s older now, but that movement remains critical for both his physical and emotional well-being.
Our knowledge of COVID-19 has evolved significantly since March. We now understand that outdoor spaces are generally safer than indoor ones, and that surface transmission is less of a concern than initially believed. A recent CDC statement clarified that the primary mode of transmission is through close contact between individuals. While it’s still possible to contract the virus from surfaces, it’s not considered the main method of spread.
The key phrases here are “and then touching” and “isn’t thought to be the main way the virus spreads.” Just touching a playground structure previously handled by an infected person won’t necessarily lead to transmission unless one then touches their face, which I know is a challenge for both kids and adults alike.
Since the pandemic began, I’ve become more aware of how often I touch my face—unless I’m wearing a mask, of course. This brings us to another crucial point from the CDC’s findings: the virus spreads primarily through person-to-person interactions such as talking or sneezing. Masks serve as a protective measure, especially since they help prevent viral transmission from asymptomatic individuals.
So, we plan to visit the playground during less crowded times, ensuring we can maintain social distancing. When we go, my kids will wear masks. They’ve practiced wearing them and understand that this is a new norm if we want to enjoy some semblance of our previous life.
Of course, not all children can wear masks, and some may face difficulties due to sensory issues. However, emerging studies suggest that children are less likely to contract and transmit the virus compared to adults. This indicates that if your child is able to wear a mask, they should do so. If not, the risk is likely lower than it would be with adults occupying the same space.
I recognize that staying home might be the safest option, and it’s been manageable for a few months. But with the prospect of the virus lingering without a vaccine, I wonder how long we can keep our kids away from playgrounds. Is it worth sacrificing their childhood experiences for an indefinite period? Each family will have to determine their own comfort level.
Visiting the playground is not a decision I take lightly. I understand that COVID-19 hasn’t simply vanished because my kids are restless. I believe in balancing public health and my children’s mental well-being. We’re not throwing caution to the wind; we’re making informed choices.
As we navigate this new reality, I think it’s time to start teaching our kids about making safe decisions. I believe we’ve reached a juncture where we must balance serious safety measures with the quality of life our children deserve. Consequently, when playgrounds reopen, my family will be there—during off-peak hours, wearing masks, and armed with plenty of hand sanitizer.
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Summary:
As playgrounds begin to reopen, parents are faced with the decision of whether to allow their children to return to these spaces. Balancing the risks associated with COVID-19 and the need for children to engage in physical play is crucial. By taking precautions like visiting during less crowded times and wearing masks, families can provide their children with essential outdoor experiences while still being mindful of safety.