The Coronavirus put a scare in many New Yorkers but several Islanders were undeterred in attending the borough's parks on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Opinions varied from person-to-person, but the prevailing thought was that the open air was did more good than harm.

Jason Paderon

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- While the coronavirus has shut down a lot of activities across the borough, there were many people enjoying the borough's parks on Saturday.

The Staten Island Athletic Club fun run, a weekly staple in Clove Lakes Park has been suspended until further notice. However. participants still showed up unofficially.

"The Fun Run is held through all kinds of weather and has only been canceled a handful of times," noted SIAC President Dave Panza. "We felt this virus' power is still unknown and we could not take any chances of endangering the 30 or so runners who generally take part.

From left, Monica Leide, Michael and Marie Garone, and Jeanne and Brian Rowan all took part in an unofficial Fun Run Saturday morning. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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"A lot of our age group are the ones directly affected. I exercise so that my immune system is not compromised and so I don't become part of that demographic," said walker Monica Leide. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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Some parents said they wanted their children to enjoy the nice weather.

"I am more worried about the parent shaming than contracting the virus," said one parent. "The kids need the fresh air but I don't want to be thought of as a bad parent." March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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"My kids had their basketball and flag football games canceled," said parent John Higgins. "It's such a beautiful day out; it's nice to just get out of the house."

Brothers Jack and Nick Higgins play one-on-one in Midland Beach Park. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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"I follow science rather than the paranoia and hysteria," said Pauline Pratt of Canarsie.

Pauline Pratt takes a stroll with her daughters Christine and Jasmine around Clove Lakes Park.

March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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A child has much of the playground all to himself on a sunny Saturday morning. Parks were less crowded than usual but it didn't stop a few parents from bringing their kids out. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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Brian Almazo, Michael Cascio, Joseph Perazzo and Juan Gallardo of the Susan Wagner track team continue to practice on their own as their PSAL season remains up in the air. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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"As a teacher, I don't mind the schools being open," said another parent. "I know the kids need a place to stay and eat, but I also wish the mayor would acknowledge that we're out there keeping the kids safe."

A shot of an empty playground at the Greenbelt. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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"We're taking extra precautions," said mother Judith Sobel. "We've been washing our hands and my daughter knows not to touch her face. Plus it's not so crowded here. We're scared too but we still have to live."

Judith Sobel pushes her daughter, Jordan at the Clove Lakes Park playground. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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Another child dons a facemask as he plays in the Midland Beach playground so as not to exacerbate his ashthma. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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"I'm taking advantage of the park, especially on a day like this," said mother Natalya Trejos. "Usually, there'd be a dozen or so more kids here. I'm more concerned with the flu than the virus." Several children pose at the Naples Park playground. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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The swings at the Greenbelt Park were empty Saturday morning. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

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On a normal Saturday, the Clove Lakes basketball courts would be filled about noon time. March 14, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)