AKRON, Ohio -- In an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, Summit County sheriff’s deputies are patrolling parks and ball fields to ensure that visitors are practicing social distancing.

The sheriff’s office posted Wednesday on Facebook that not following social distancing recommendations is “very irresponsible,” and that “we must all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 - which continues to proliferate in Summit County.”

Inspector Bill Holland told cleveland.com that the department has received numerous calls about people not following such guidelines by congregating in tight groups, standing close as they talk to each other, using playground equipment or playing sports.

“People are wanting to get outside because the weather’s getting nicer and they’re wanting to utilize the parks, which has put an increase on the usage of the local parks because it’s really the only thing people can do outside of their homes and going to the grocery store,” Holland said.

But if people don’t practice social distancing, then deputies will step in and ask them to spread out or stop playing the sport or using equipment.

“They’re just going to reiterate the guidance from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] CDC and the governor’s office and let them know that... It’s our job to ensure public safety and right now that’s one of the things we’re focused on, trying to slow the spread of this virus,” Holland said.