Burlington extends sports ban to outdoor fields
Published October 22, 2020 at 12:11 pm
Burlington is doubling down on its commitment to halt the spread of COVID-19.
The municipality is now banning sport games from being played on any City-run outdoor field. The move steps up action taken last week where indoors sports was stopped.
The move comes as Halton Public Health indicates cases of the coronavirus are on the rise in settings where physical activity and contact sports is taking place.
Community sport organization renters will be limited to training only where proper physical distancing can be maintained. There will be no games or scrimmages until further notice. Dance is permitted to continue with restrictions.
“These decisions and actions by our City are temporary until we flatten the curve and effectively slow down the increasing rate of spread of COVID-19,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “Select restrictions help keep our city and region out of a larger roll back to a Stage 2, or a modified version of Stage 2 like we’ve seen in some of our neighbouring municipalities. I thank our residents who have been patient and kind during these difficult times, and for coming together as a community should.”
Last week Burlington shut down all City indoor fitness classes and team sports.
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The pause on activities will be evaluated frequently and will be lifted once Halton Public Health deems it safe to resume these indoor and outdoor activities in City facilities and parks.
Chris Glenn, Burlington’s Director of Recreation Services, said the move is necessary because it is impossible to ensure that players won’t come into close contact with each other during game situations.
“At the end of the day, preventing COVID-19 and protecting our health is what is most important,” Glenn said. “There are still many opportunities to be active in our parks and open spaces.”
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