Cedar Rapids Closes Playgrounds at City Parks

Iowa's News Now reports that Cedar Rapids has closed the city's playgrounds due to the COVID-19 cornonavirus.

The parks themselves are still open to the public, however, the use of playground and outdoor exercise equipment is now temporarily closed.

Confused? You're not alone.

The various "stay at home, "shelter in place" and "lockdown" orders of the past week are sending mixed messages and not helping the public's anxiety.

At the same time, the various government orders of which businesses should be closed and which can remain open continues to baffle us.

Since no one alive has ever lived through something of this magnitude, it's understandable that conflicts of opinions and rules will occur.

With over 100 parks in Cedar Rapids, city officials urge residents to simply follow these CDC guidelines until further notice:

• Follow social distancing standards of a minimum of six feet between you and other park users.
• Avoid areas where 10 or more people are gathered.
• Do not use park amenities where social distancing cannot be followed.
• Be aware that park restrooms are currently closed and water is not turned on. Please bring hand sanitizer with you.
• Please carry out any trash that is brought into the parks.
• If you have been sick in the last two weeks or have a cough, fever or other flu like symptoms, stay home for your health and the safety of others.
• Individuals 60 years of age and older, or those with underlying conditions, should stay at home to avoid potential exposures.