Six of Southend's popular playgrounds will be open to families from tomorrow.

Playgrounds at sites including Priory Park, Chalkwell Park, Belfairs Park, Southchurch Park, Shoebury Park and Leigh Library Gardens are all set to open once again to the public from July 8, after being closed due to Covid-19.

To keep parents, kids and families safe, a whole host of measures and guidelines have been put into force ahead of the grand re-opening, including the following:

Before visiting a play area

1) Consider which play area you are going to visit. Going to one of the smaller sites situated across the town may allow you to enjoy a play area that is not so busy.

2) Consider that where practical only one adult per child should go in to the play area, this will allow more households to enjoy the facilities.

3) Be mindful that food or drink cannot be consumed in the play area.

4) Check Government guidance on the use of face coverings.

5) Before leaving home ensure you have hand sanitiser and wipes.

When you arrive at the play area

1) Check the signage on the outside of the play area for information on the maximum number of people that should be in the area at any one time, and additional advice.

2) The maximum number of people allowed in the space will be displayed on the signage. If the play area is full, please queue outside of the play area, respecting social distancing guidance.

3) Remind children not to touch their faces or put their hands in their mouths, and to cough or sneeze into a tissue or arm when a tissue is not available.

4) Remind children not to put their mouths or faces on the equipment.

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When in the play area

1) Stay in your household group, and respect social distancing guidance when around other users.

2) When you enter the play area sanitise your hands and the hands of any children under your supervision.

3) Check for any signage highlighting any restrictions on the number of people who should be using an item of equipment.

4) Use your wipes to sanitise equipment before your child uses it. Handles, grips and seats are the types of areas that are regularly touched by children, be careful to make sure the grips are not slippery after wiping.

5) Sanitise the hands of children under your supervision each time they come off an item of equipment as a minimum.

6) Sanitise your hands if you touch equipment or other surfaces in the play area.

7) Be mindful that others will want to use equipment.

8) Do not consume any food or drink whilst in the play area.

9) Take all litter home with your or use litter bins where available. It is important that used tissues and wipes are not left on the ground where children can pick them up.

10) Do not stay in the play area when your children have finished playing, to allow those queuing the opportunity to use the play area.

You should not visit one of the borough's play areas if you or a member of your household has Covid-19 symptoms or have been told to self-isolate.