Jump to content

Recommended Posts

I dont want to sound like a preacher, but just needed to vent my frustration.


I understand why families want to use playgrounds (I have 3 of my own) but walking in peckham rye Park, when passing the playground, my kids and I counted only 1 adult wearing a mask, when walking past on 2 separate occasions.

We've all worked so hard to stop the spread of this virus and we have to maintain our civil responsibility to each other and the NHS to limit the spread wherever possible.

I would implore everyone to respect the basic rules that help limit the spread of this virus, When you are in close proximity in the playground atleast follow the rules and wear a mask!

Link to comment
https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/276518-parents-in-playground/
Share on other sites

Yes, social distancing in open air is the key. Mask wearing is not mandatory because it is negligible in the open air where people socially distance. However, it is worth having a face covering to hand where people are prone to ignore the social distancing, and always sanitise after touching shared play equipment.

The times I've been to the playground at Peckham Rye, Goose Green, or Dulwich park, I've always felt that I've had plenty of space between me and other adults.


I feel I get into closer proximity with people when I'm just walking along the road or queueing to get into a shop.


Do you and your kids count the number of people walking along the street not wearing masks too?

Agree strongly with social distancing outdoors.


You only have to see, on a frosty morning, just how far one's breath carries - particularly in the case of joggers and runners. It is also really apparent when one sees people vaping or smoking cigarettes.


Wearing masks outdoors has proven effective in other countries such as Korea, Japan and China.

bobbsy wrote:

> And parents standing around chatting,

> provided they socially distance, are

> doing nothing wrong unless it was a

> pre-arranged meeting.


Do you not think that's a gathering as specified in the current regulations https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1374/regulation/2?


"2(6 )(e) a gathering takes place when two or more persons are present together in the same place in order?

(i) to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or

(ii) to undertake any other activity with each other;"


Do you have any view on any risks of cross-infection in such a meeting?

bobbsy Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Playgrounds need to be open, young children. And

> parents standing around chatting, provided they

> socially distance, are doing nothing wrong unless

> it was a pre-arranged meeting.


I disagree, you can play outside plenty of other ways (bikes, footballs, games, etc). Kids like playgrounds of course, but they do not NEED them. Swings and climbing frames, touched by countless children that day, seem distinctly unsafe to me. And parents ARE arranging to meet at playgrounds. Of course they are. So their kids can play together, while they stand round in groups and have a natter.


I am not trying villainize the parents (playgrounds are open after all)... but it just doesn't seem right to me.

Social isolation, both of parents/ carers and children is taking a terrible toll for many, and the long term damage may be significant.


For most people of child bearing age, and/ or children, the disease even when caught is mild, and may not even be noticeable. And its impact may be far less than the mental damage caused by isolation.


If the parents/ carers are keeping a 2 metre distance, in the open, that is likely to be fine, mask wearing or not. And it is, broadly, their risk, particularly as so many who are at high(er) risk are becoming protected by vaccines. By w/c March 8th all top 4 tiers (who chose to be vaccinated) will be 22 days or so into their cover, and hence will be covered (probably).

Six or seven young women in PR Park, hugger-mugger, very unlikely from the same households, squeezing together (inches apart) to get past others. I know the virus is less transmissabe in the open air but if they are flouting the rules about meeting up then what else are they choosing to ignore? Some people just can't help themselves...

Penguin68 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> If the parents/ carers are keeping a 2 metre

> distance, in the open, that is likely to be fine,

> mask wearing or not.


But they are not...


If we can keep our child away from playground, finding other things (indoors and outdoors) to do, then I don't see why others can't. It is not easy, but it's the sensible thing to do. It's not just about our personal health/safety, it's about controlling the spread.


> For most people of child bearing age, and/ or

> children, the disease even when caught is mild,

> and may not even be noticeable.


It's mild in kids. But in young or middle-aged adults, it can be pretty bad. Of my work colleagues (pool of around 40), 3 have had Covid this year. Two of them (25 yr old and 40-ish yr old) were very ill for over two weeks. One of their girlfriends required hospital treatment. My wife also has a colleague in his 30s, who caught covid and had to call an ambulance because he could not breathe. I really think people are not taking the severity of this virus seriously enough.

I really think people are not taking the severity of this virus seriously enough.


I'm not sure you're entirely right there - (of course there are some who are deniers, but most I think do know that it can be awful) - but people are now prepared to take the risks they think are appropriate for them - of course some are getting this wrong. But for most young people (under 40) the disease will be mild if it's even noticeable - at worst like a relatively mild and short lived dose of flu. As you get older, or have other underlying conditions, your likelihood of severe, and indeed fatal, infection increases, and your level of caution with it.


As those in the most vulnerable groups become vaccine protected, the risks of getting it yourself without going on to infect others in much worse ways is diminishing - and thus more and more the risks you take are (almost) just for you.


What I do not understand is those in risk groups who are not taking up their vaccine offers - which seems mad - but again, they are adults taking a risk based decision.


Once bad decisions become those that impact only you - then I'm diffident about enforcing 'rules' where only the rule breaker suffers. We aren't, of course, quite there yet, but we will (in the grand scheme of things) soon be.

fishbiscuits Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Penguin68 Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > If the parents/ carers are keeping a 2 metre

> > distance, in the open, that is likely to be

> fine,

> > mask wearing or not.

>

> But they are not...

>

> If we can keep our child away from playground,

> finding other things (indoors and outdoors) to do,

> then I don't see why others can't. It is not easy,

> but it's the sensible thing to do. It's not just

> about our personal health/safety, it's about

> controlling the spread.

>

> > For most people of child bearing age, and/ or

> > children, the disease even when caught is mild,

> > and may not even be noticeable.

>

> It's mild in kids. But in young or middle-aged

> adults, it can be pretty bad. Of my work

> colleagues (pool of around 40), 3 have had Covid

> this year. Two of them (25 yr old and 40-ish yr

> old) were very ill for over two weeks. One of

> their girlfriends required hospital treatment. My

> wife also has a colleague in his 30s, who caught

> covid and had to call an ambulance because he

> could not breathe. I really think people are not

> taking the severity of this virus seriously

> enough.


I know of people who grumble of kids in playground but who they themselves took advantage of low flight prices to travel abroad. So go figure.

RoundTable Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> I know of people who grumble of kids in playground

> but who they themselves took advantage of low

> flight prices to travel abroad. So go figure.


Nobody likes a hypocrite, but that doesn't change my point.

fishbiscuits Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> RoundTable Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > I know of people who grumble of kids in

> playground

> > but who they themselves took advantage of low

> > flight prices to travel abroad. So go figure.

>

> Nobody likes a hypocrite, but that doesn't change

> my point.





The general point is everyone wants to think it's other people causing the spread. People without kids point the finger at those with kids using playgrounds or childcare. People with kids point the finger at those without, but who chose to go abroad. People who wear masks point at those without. Those who go without but whilst observing social distancing point the finger at those who wear masks and don't distance. It's exhausting. Apart from a handful of blatant violators (hello lockdown party-goers), the vast majority of people people really are doing their best.

I disagree people are doing their best. I think taht most of us are aware of lapses and just say "oh well, I am doing my best mostly" and let themselves off. It's that kind of self-deception that this virus loves, as do others. I see groups of friends meeting in teh park and hugging, white van men sitting three-abreast with no masks and windows shut, doctors and nurses walking around health centres with ill-fitting masks. It's practically everywhere and then we wonder why the lockdowns don't work....

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Latest Discussions

    • a white fold-up bicycle if you think it might be yours message me with name of bike
    • Thats the problem, I dont have a solution, but I can see disadvantages of some of the proposed solutions.  Not selling it to a foreign company is my preference but after that I have no idea of the best path / solution with the least impact for all. Whats your view Sue ? 
    • Login Search: Lost: Coco, Mastiff, Male, in South East (SE21) 199549 Alerts Sent: 150 Click to See How You Can Help Views: 32 Poster Image Extra Image Name:Coco Dog ID:199549 Gender:Male Breed:Mastiff Age:Young / Puppy Colour:Brown Marks/Scars:white chest, also small white mark on the top his back Special Conditions:None Microchip:Yes Date Lost:13 Aug 2025 Where Lost:94 clive road Postcode: SE21Show on map Town/County:London, Greater London Region:South East Other Info: Not specified Created:13 Aug 2025 Listed by:luis View PosterDownload Poster ShareTweetPinEmailShare Poster Image Extra Image Sightings and Information Please post if you have more about this dog. Log in above or register to leave comments or to like them. Please note that DogLost cannot be held responsible for the content of any other sites mentioned or linked to here. 13-08-2025 11:48Jayne - Founder Doglost. DOG LOST Local members alerted. 13-08-2025 11:27DogLost System   Sorry to see that "Coco" is missing. • If your dog is microchipped please let the microchip company know that your dog is missing and check that all details are up to date. • Owners targeted by a malicious hoaxer demanding money for the return of their dog should phone the police on 101 immediately and contact [email protected] • A photograph of your dog is essential for the website. If you have not already uploaded one, please do so by Logging in and My Dogs. Alternatively you can email it to [email protected] quoting the dog's DogLost ID number: 199549 • Obtain a missing poster by clicking on View poster above. Posters are very important so start postering now! • You will need to be logged in to upload photos, edit your dog's details, or add comments. You can add comments by clicking on Click here to add a comment. • Contact dog wardens, vets and local rescue centres, and in Scotland, the Police. Give a detailed description with any distinguishing marks/scars or send them a copy of your DogLost poster. You can find vets in your area here. • If your dog has been stolen inform the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number (CRN). Send an email to [email protected]. • If your dog is picked up and taken to rescue kennels, it can be legally re-homed after seven days. Visit rescue centres in person and do not rely on checking by phone alone. Other people may not recognise your dog by your description, so give them a DogLost poster. • Keep us updated by keeping your dog's page up to date and check for posts from helpers who may have suggestions and possible matches or sightings • DogLost is free and anyone asking for money to find or return your dog is not volunteering for us. If you are concerned about an approach you have received, please email [email protected]   Dogs Lost|Dogs Found|Dogs Reunited Homepage|Contact|Terms|Privacy|FAQ Reuniting Dogs with their Owners © 2025 DogLost Website Application Development by AmplifySales
    • So what would be your preference then, Spartacus, and why?
Home
Events
Sign In

Sign In



Or sign in with one of these services

Search
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...