Physical distancing circles return to Trinity Bellwoods today

By News Staff

Circle time is back at Trinity Bellwoods park.

Crews will be out at the park on Queen Street West on Thursday, painting physical distancing circles on the grass as warmer temperatures finally return to the GTA.

It is the second year in a row the City of Toronto will install the circles at the park. The circles were first introduced last summer as a means to encourage physical distancing for parkgoers.

This comes as Ontario is extending the provincewide stay-at-home order for an additional two weeks until at least June 2 with outdoor amenities and schools staying closed in the meantime.

The current stay-at-home and lockdown measures were set to expire on May 20.

Some people at Trinity Bellwoods park told 680 NEWS they were surprised by the extension, while others say it was to be expected.

“That’s really frustrating. For people, their mental health is really suffering and I think that is the one thing that we were all kind of looking forward to at least,” a resident at the park said.

Infectious disease physician Dr. Isaac Bogoch lauded the decision calling it “the right approach.”

“It will help us vaccinate significantly more people and have greater community-level immunity. It should also make this the last lockdown for Ontario,” wrote Bogoch on social media.

“We can (and should) be picky about the nuance and details of the various policies, but in general, a slow and careful approach to reopening will help prevent a large COVID-19 resurgence, mitigate a fourth wave, and keep pressure off of our already overwhelmed healthcare system.”

But he adds he’s still frustrated about limiting outdoor activities and says they’re safe and should be encouraged.


RELATED: Health experts, small business organizations react to extended stay-at-home order


At Trinity Bellwoods park the tennis courts are closed but the lawn is open for people to play other outdoor activities such as frisbee, which is leaving residents frustrated with the stay-at-home rules.

“What’s the difference between golfing, tennis, outdoor amenities,” a resident at the park said.

The stay-at-home order requires everyone to remain at home except for specified purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work that cannot be done remotely.

In-person shopping and non-essential stores, including malls, will remain closed. Big box stores are strictly limited to selling essential items only.

In a release, the city says they recognize that many urban dwellers living in apartments and condos lack yard space for exercise and fresh air while the provincial stay-at-home order is in effect.

“Trinity Bellwoods Park is a popular location for many downtown residents and the painted physical distancing circles will help keep people safe while using the park,” reads a release from the city.

“Residents are encouraged to visit their local parks rather than travel to destination parks. If a park or amenity such as a playground is crowded, people should visit another park or return at another time.”

The city says they still encourage residents to follow the provincial stay-at-home rules and only leave their residences for essential reasons.

The circles were installed in late-May last year after thousands of people flaunted social distancing rules at the park when summer weather arrived.

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