Harlow Council has closed all playgrounds in the battle to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Boris Johnson yesterday evening revealed stricter powers to enforce “social distancing”.

One day prior, the Prime Minister has said he wanted to keep parks open due to their importance for people’s mental and physical wellbeing.

However, Harlow council has decided to temporarily close parks until they are ‘safe to reopen’.

For live coronavirus updates from east London and Essex follow our live blog here.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Harlow Council has taken the difficult decision to close all its playgrounds until further notice. The closures are in the interests of everyone’s health and safety, to ensure social distancing and limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Read more

“These are temporary closures and all playgrounds will reopen when it is safe to do so. We want to thank residents for their understanding.

“At this time, all residents should be following the government’s public health guidance on social distancing to help reduce the spread of the virus.”

The closures include multi-use sports areas and basketball courts around the town.

For the latest government guidance on Covid-19 click here.

Epping Forest Guardian:

For more breaking news, local headlines and features, ‘like’ our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter account: @EppingFGuardian

Follow us to keep up-to-date with news in Epping Forest.