Staying safe in the sunny season

With the weather warming and the sun shining, it’s tempting to throw caution to the wind just to experience the joys of the coming summer.

But social distancing and self-isolation are still in effect. The City of Calgary wants citizens to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer while still continuing to take heed of the dangers that come alongside it in a current pandemic.

“Our City parks and greenspaces are an amazing resource for Calgarians right now. We want to keep them open and we can do that as long as we’re all being responsible,” says Kyle Ripley, Director of Parks. “Get outside, stay 6 feet away from others, and we’ll see you in our parks.”

Recommendations include:

• Keep a physical distance, ensuring that there’s at least six feet, or two metres, between yourself and others
• If you’re heading to a park, don’t drive. Parking lots, with their tight, congested spaces, can increase the risk of viral transmission.
• If the area you’re accessing is busy and already filled with enough people that maintaining physical distance would be an issue, it’s recommended that you leave and head to a less crowded area. This could include heading to neighbourhood parks and pathways, enjoying green spaces closer to your home.
• Normal dog rules apply: be responsible and clean up after your animals. Keep your distance from others’ furry friends as well: don’t pet other people’s dogs and don’t let folks come pet your own critter.

To ensure that proper social distancing is happening in the public spaces, Parks staff and bylaw officers will be patrolling in areas to educator those visiting on using the spaces in a safe and responsible manner.

And while it’s not an option for everyone, the City recommends enjoying one’s own backyard if possible, relaxing with a book or firing up the barbeque.

If you’re going to use a backyard fire pit however, be mindful and kind to your neighbours and remember that large gatherings should be avoided.

With a few proper things kept in mind, there’s no reason why getting some of that delicious vitamin D should cause folks to break self-isolation and physical distancing.