Outdoor gyms, parks and ovals remain closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions, but walkways and cycleways are open.
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Dubbo Regional Council mayor Ben Shields offered some clarity on confusion about what was and wasn't open for the community as residents start to get out and about a little more.
On March 25 parks and ovals were closed to the public following national and state restrictions, while walkways were able to remain open with social-distancing measures a must.
As of late, confusion among the community has blurred the lines between outdoor gyms, parks, walkways and ovals, with members of the community using the council run facilities at various times.
Councillor Shields said this is because the enforcement of closing such facilities is difficult.
"Parks, outdoor gyms located in parks and ovals remain closed," Cr Shields said.
"We are getting advice direction from NSW Health professionals.
"At this stage, their advice is to keep these facilities closed.
"We really just have to appeal to people's common sense.
"When you're using the outdoor gyms located in parks you're sweating all over them. It's the same thing if you go to the oval with your mates to play a game of footy.
"As to when these facilities will reopen depends on the course of the pandemic.
"Until they reopen it is important that we all do our bit to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
"We really can't afford for people not to do the right thing.
"This pandemic is serious."
Councilor Shields said the flip side to this is that walkways and cycleways, such as Tracker Riley Cycleway, remain open to the public.
"They remain open as a good way for people to continue to get exercise during COVID-19," he said.
Councilor Shields said it is important people are able to continue exercising.
Residents are still being asked to practice social distancing measure when using the walkways and cycleways around town.
On Friday the national cabinet announced plans to ease restrictions put in place by state and federal governments in the coming weeks and months.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian restated on Friday afternoon there would be no further changes to restrictions in NSW before Mother's Day.
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Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
