HAMPTON, Va. - As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Virginia continues to rise, the City of Hampton is taking action to encourage its residents to stay safe by practicing social distancing.
The city announced Friday that it has closed all 81 playgrounds, including the ones located at schools. Basketball and volleyball courts are also closed since those sports require close contact.
Staff will periodically monitor the city's beaches - Buckroe, Grandview, Salt Ponds and Fort Monroe - and Woodlands Skate Park to break up groups of more than 10 people.
“It is imperative that we all follow social-distancing,” said City Manager Mary Bunting this week. “If we can slow the spread of this disease, more people will be able to survive it.”
The city's outdoor recreation areas are still open, but residents are reminded to not gather in groups of 10 people or more. As the weather warms this weekend, people are reminded to stay six feet apart, to continue washing their hands and to keep disinfecting surfaces.
Earlier this week, the City of Virginia Beach also announced it was closing all playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, dog parks and skate parks amid the pandemic.
