On Monday, Bakersfield announced that it will be temporarily closing all playground areas and equipment at city run parks and facilities in order to limit the potential exposure and spread of COVID-19.

In a statement, the city said "This decision was made by the City’s Recreation and Parks Department after considering recommendations from local, state and federal guidelines on social distancing and sanitizing surface as well as guidance from the National Recreation and Park Association. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department will be posting signage around playground and exercise equipment as well as wrapping the equipment and areas with caution tape."

City parks will remain open during this time, but the city urges residents to heed the governor's stay-at-home order.

The also ask that residents remember to follow the Kern County Public Health Services recommendations:

• Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people
• Maintain at least six feet of distance from others;
• Frequently wash your hands for at 20 seconds and/or use hand sanitizers;
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose