Harlow Council continues to review the provision of its public outdoor facilities alongside the latest government guidance.

THIS week the Town Park car parks have reopened to allow residents to travel to the park by car for exercise. However, council-owned multi-use games areas, tennis courts and basketball courts across the town remain closed for now and should not be used by the public. This is while the council reviews what hygiene and social distancing measures are needed to help stop any spread of the virus from the use of these facilities. Further updates will be issued.

In line with government guidance children’s playgrounds across the town and outdoor gym equipment in the Town Park remain closed until further notice. The skate park also remains closed at this time and should not be used.

Community Safety Officers and the Harlow Community Policing Team will be regularly patrolling these areas while restrictions remain in place.

Open spaces around the Town Park continue to remain open for all. However, Pets’ Corner remains closed until further notice and the Town Park public toilets are closed at this time to stop any spread of the virus.

Earlier this week the government announced that people can now spend time outdoors, including exercise, alone, with their household, or with one person who is not in their household as long as they stay two metres apart. Exercise can now be undertaken more than once a day. The guidance includes allowing people to drive to outdoor open spaces for exercise.

To stay safe, residents must follow government public health advice at all times and:

· take hygiene precautions when they are outside
· wash their hands as soon as they are back indoors
· keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside their household at all times
· take hand sanitiser with them when they set off in case there are no handwashing facilities