Children can use playgrounds for exercise but not for socialising, Downing Street has said, as the government sought to defuse an angry row after it appeared to suggest rules on children playing outdoors were stricter than those for adults exercising. The prime minister’s spokesperson sought to defuse the row, saying it was acceptable for children to play outside, including in playgrounds, even if they had a garden at home. “We have been clear that exercise is allowed under the national restrictions. That continues to be the case, and the reason we ensured playgrounds stayed open was to ensure that children continued to use them for exercise purposes.”Asked whether the rules were different for families who have gardens, he said: “It is reasonable for any families to take their children to the park and to use playgrounds. The health secretary, Matt Hancock, who was recently pictured playing rugby with his children in the park, told Sky News on Thursday that the same rules applied to children and adults.

Source: The Guardian February 11, 2021 11:39 UTC