As summer approaches, communities across the nation are in varying stages of reopening. While some towns are still in early phases, others have fully resumed operations, welcoming back restaurants, camps, and yes, playgrounds. This shift has put families in the position of having to make choices that were previously dictated by strict stay-at-home orders. With local attractions reopening their doors, parents must now navigate these uncertain waters, unsure of the safety of public spaces.
It’s important to remember that we’re still amid a pandemic; COVID-19 hasn’t vanished. I like to refer to this peculiar time as “post-curve-flattening yet still living in a pandemic.” My family, however, is not venturing out. We’re choosing to stay home, where we feel safe and secure.
I understand that many families are eager to embrace the freedom of outdoor activities, but I’m not ready to join them just yet, especially when it comes to playgrounds. The simple truth is that there’s still so much we don’t understand about this virus. Experts continue to learn new information week by week, and alarming cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in children related to COVID-19 are emerging globally, leaving many questions unanswered. The CDC has acknowledged they are still gathering data about this condition, and it’s concerning that we still don’t know why some children are affected while others are not.
As we assess the implications of reopening, I refuse to expose my children to potential risks without more knowledge. I don’t want them to be part of an experiment in a world that has just reopened its gates. From what I’ve observed, parks and playgrounds are not safe. The equipment is frequently touched by countless little hands, and young children struggle to maintain physical distance or keep masks on while they play. I can guarantee that if we visit a park, at least one of my kids will need to use the restroom, further complicating matters.
Research from esteemed institutions like the National Institutes of Health and Princeton University has shown that COVID-19 can persist on surfaces for extended periods, particularly plastic and metal, which are prevalent at playgrounds. In fact, the virus can survive on plastic for up to 3 days. Given that playgrounds are chaotic environments where children don’t always maintain distance, the risk factor is significantly heightened.
While some parents may feel comfortable visiting an empty park and wiping down surfaces, this seems more stressful than simply staying home. After all, the purpose of a playground is for social interaction, which contradicts our goal of minimizing contact.
Instead, we’re opting for safer alternatives to keep our kids active and engaged, such as biking, building obstacle courses, or going on family hikes that don’t require touching shared surfaces. I can’t help but wonder if my perspective on playgrounds would shift if they had reopened in a more gradual manner. However, the immediate surge of crowds after restrictions lifted has left me feeling uneasy.
As a cautious parent, I’ve adhered to safety guidelines during this pandemic, but seeing others disregard health protocols—like not wearing masks or maintaining distance—has only reinforced my decision to stay home. We still don’t know the long-term effects of the virus, and the uncertainty surrounding who may be a carrier adds another layer of concern.
With so much unknown, it’s essential to make the safest choices for our families. Right now, that means avoiding playgrounds altogether. For those interested in further information and resources on home insemination and parenting, you can check out this insightful blog post here or visit this authority on home insemination. Additionally, CCRM IVF’s blog offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, our family is prioritizing safety by staying home instead of visiting reopened playgrounds. The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and the risks associated with public spaces lead us to make this cautious choice for now.