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“We’re providing an environment that supports safe social distancing practices,” said PCC CEO Monique Goffinet Miller. “This is one step to doing that.”

Photo by BRANDON HARDER / Regina Leader-Post

Last week, the PCC placed signs around the lake reminding park users about the importance of social distancing. More signs, with arrows to indicate the direction people should be walking in, will be added. Maps will be posted online Friday to clearly outline which path the restriction applies to and which paths it doesn’t, like the “red path” that goes along the University of Regina and by the Saskatchewan Science Centre because it is not a loop.

The PCC is also encouraging people to explore the 2,300 acres of park, to avoid the standard paths, and to be in open spaces that are not considered shared spaces, said Goffinet Miller, adding the PCC’s role is to support and educate residents so they can practice safe social distancing, but it’s up to park users to be responsible.

“We have to ask our park users to be responsible and to be respectful of other people as well in their physical distance practices. And if they don’t share the same household, we are asking them to do what they can to flatten the curve,” she said.

When possible — and safe — residents are asked to move onto the grass and roadways within the park to maintain proper social distancing when passing others. If you’re moving faster than someone ahead of you (jogger versus walker) it’s your responsibility to ensure the two-metre distance is maintained as you pass, said Goffinet Miller.

Photo by BRANDON HARDER / Regina Leader-Post

When in open spaces, the PCC is reminding residents that playground equipment, picnic tables and barbecues are not to used at this time.

In addition to concerns over improper social distancing along the lake’s main walking path, the PCC has also received reports of people congregating in Wascana Centre parking lots. She said it’s those types of actions that increase the risk of transmission.

The PCC is constantly reassessing measures put in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Wascana Centre, said Goffinet Miller. Feedback on how these new measures are working will be taken account and more changes could be made as needed.

Check the Wascana Centre’s Facebook page or website for maps and more details on Friday.