Pittsburgh closing basketball courts, city overlooks

Pittsburgh is closing outdoor basketball courts in parks and city overlooks and suspending its street sweeping program to further guard against the spread of covid-19.

The city on Monday reported that groups of people failed to follow social distancing guidelines to remain at least six feet apart while enjoying warm spring weather in parks and overlooks.

Park usage across the state has soared during the coronavirus pandemic with government stay-at-home orders and with more residents idled or working from home. Allegheny County on Monday reported a total 290 confirmed cases of covid-19 with two fatalities and 38 people hospitalized.

The Pittsburgh Department of Public Works began removing basketball rims Monday and closing overlooks where many people gathered on Saturday and Sunday, according to the Mayor’s Office.

Group sports like baseball and soccer in parks also are prohibited.

Police and park rangers will patrol soccer fields and other play areas to make sure social distancing rules are followed. The city closed a soccer field in the North Side’s Riverview Park.

Playgrounds also are closed, and the city cautioned that the coronavirus can remain on metal surfaces for several days.

“Residents are further reminded not to share food with public safety and other city personnel,” the Mayor’s Office said. “While such offers are clearly being done with the best of intentions to show support for workers in these trying times, the risk of spreading disease among the city workforce is too great, and residents are encouraged to donate to food pantries instead.”

The city suspended street sweeping until further notice because of the coronavirus pandemic. It usually begins on April 1.

Crews will perform some street sweeping and stormwater catch basin cleaning to protect against weather-related events.