Coronavirus: Plymouth Closes Public Playground Structures

PLYMOUTH, MA — The Plymouth Recreation Department has closed all playground structures and limited other uses of public parks as part of the coronavirus pandemic. The closures were made based on the recommendations form the Plymouth Department of Public Health.

Permits were athletic fields, special events and road races have been suspended. Park restrooms and drinking fountains are closes and residents are warned the park furniture such as benches and sports structures are not sterilized.

Parks remain open from dusk until dawn for exercise with residents asked to practice social distancing. Social distancing means no social gathering, play dates, picnics and sports activities.

"Some residents and visitors have been doing a great job following all recommended protocols, while others — especially related to sports and social gatherings — have not," Plymouth town manager Melissa Arrighi said. "Everyone must do their part so that we can all enjoy this precious and critical shared space safely. If you are not adhering to these guidelines you are putting yourself and others at risk. If you don’t think it is a big deal, believe me, your neighbors do."

Arrighi said both the Plymouth Department of Public Works and and the Plymouth police are getting "inundated with calls" asking for us to enforce social distancing.

"We are doing what we can, but have a lot of other matters going on right now that require our attention. Please ensure that you, your friends, your neighbors, and your children are all following these measures. We will communicate as we have more information to share," she said.

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There are now 304 cases in Middlesex County, 234 in Suffolk County, 129 in Norfolk County and 118 in Essex County. Boston announced there are 197 confirmed cases in the city, saying 21 recovered. The hardest-hit age groups in terms of number of cases are 40-49, 50-50 and 30-39, each with more than 200 cases.

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