Among the additional restrictions that the Government of Ontario implemented a few weeks into theprovincewide emergency shutdownwas the controversial forced closure ofoutdoor recreational amenitiessuch as soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts, and even playgrounds.

Though Premier Doug Ford and his team eventually changed their tune and reopened the latterdue to immense backlash, sports facilities in public parks still remain off limits.

And, with people seemingly ignoring the new rules and continuing to take advantage of things likebeach volleyball courts and outdoor gym equipment, some municipalities are taking further steps to deter their use.

Here's a montage of closed outdoor facilities in#ontariolockdown# FordFailedThePeople
Pic credits:@PlannerSean@Ewingsports@Justin_Ling@blogTO@thehost_or_mom@danhermanpic.twitter.com/xN625uV9Lz

— Dr. Maskie McMaskface (@sharpasahawke)April 26, 2021

One extreme measure that has appeared in Toronto is the padlocking or otherwise blocking off basketball nets, disc golf baskets and the like to ensure that everyone knows they are not in commission at the moment, per provincial guidelines.

But many citizens are finding the step to be a little excessive and noticing that it's made for an extra dystopian feel around the city.

City staff, meanwhile, have said that they have only gone as far as erecting appropriate signage about such equipment and have not "actively removed basketball nets, padlock or bag basketball hoops on City property."

Outdoor disc golf baskets covered with heavy black trash bags feels like a municipal microaggression against an overwhelmingly inclusive sport that truly doesn’t recognize class and intentionally lacks central authority.

Good show, Toronto. ♂️⛳️#COVID19#Pandemic#discgolfhttps://t.co/mDxXW30aZg

— Zach Ward (@ZachWard)April 24, 2021

People are pointing out on social media the irony of being barred from using outdoor sports equipment while some arepacking into parks to socializeconsequence-free despite astay-at-home orderthat deems outdoor exercise essential andoutdoor get-togethers, obviously non-essential.

Then there are the masses of shoppers inside big box stores, which do havenon-essential items blocked offalong with significantly reduced capacity limits, but which many feel are still too crowded for comfort.

#topoliHow is it that the baskets at a ⁦@tdsb⁩ high school were somehow deemed a Covid19 transmission risk while the ones at a City of Toronto park 500m away are open? Maybe someone needs to let school officials know that outdoor exercise is important and not risky.pic.twitter.com/OvazD0KhFk

— John Lorinc (@JohnLorinc)April 26, 2021

It has, of course, been proven that virus transmission is lower in outdoor settings, and also that physical activity is key to good all-around health, both bodily and mentally.

This is especially pertinent as citizens try to cope with months of endless lockdown and thedrastic adverse psychological effectsthat have come with it, and have turned to socially distanced outdoor activities liketennisandgolfto stay sane.

No chances being taken in Oakville. Take the whole damn rim down.pic.twitter.com/v3Cs6a7Zek

— Ouzofc (@OuzoFC)April 26, 2021

As daily new case countsremain quite highdespite restrictions, andCOVID ICU admissionscontinue to climb weeks into the shutdown, we'll have to see what other measures the province will try to implement to curb the spread as we wait forbetter access to vaccines.