Media response - advice on playgrounds

Published on 04 May 2020

Response to Southern Times Messenger.

• We're doing an all councils story on the possible reopening of playgrounds [in light of state government advice about COVID-19]. Are you able to provide us with some quotes from the Mayor on why the council never closed them?

Comments attributed to Mayor Erin Thompson

While the Prime Minister made recommendations to close playgrounds in late March, it was a decision for each state and territory, and the South Australian government decided not to require playgrounds to be closed in SA.

Throughout the pandemic we have followed government advice and strongly encouraged our community to do the same.

We’ve installed signage at popular locations  such as beaches, reserves and playgrounds, reminding  people of social distancing requirements and hygiene recommendations. Our rangers have also been working closely with SAPol, actively patrolling these areas reminding people to do the right thing.

I’d like to thank our residents and all South Australians for being so diligent in stopping the spread of this virus by following social distancing restrictions. Together, you’re helping to save lives.

ENDS