C.G.H. Medical Center issued the following announcement on June 19.
As summer approaches, it's no surprise if your thoughts are turning to cooling off with a swim in a pool, lake or river.
But we're still in the midst of a pandemic. How is COVID-19 going to affect your water activities this summer?
First, the good news: There's no evidence that the coronavirus can spread through the water. And if your pool uses chemicals like chlorine or bromine in the water, they should inactivate the virus.
But that doesn't mean that swimming poses no dangers. Popular swimming areas draw crowds, and the virus can still spread through the air between people who get too close. So no matter where you swim this summer, you'll want to continue socially distancing on land and in the water.
That may be difficult to do at a crowded community pool or beach. So depending on the virus' activity in your community, pools and other popular swimming areas may stay closed this summer to help contain the spread. Check the advice of your state and local officials before you go.
If your pool or swimming area is open and you choose to go, carefully follow this safety advice from the American Red Cross and other experts:
Try to go when the pool or swimming area is less likely to be crowded.
Stick with your group. Stay at least 6 feet from people you don't live with—on land and in the water.
Wear your cloth face mask on land. But don't wear it in the water. That may make it difficult to breathe.
Don't share goggles, nose clips, snorkels, pool toys or other personal items.
Pack disinfectant wipes to clean high-touch areas outside the water, such as tables, chairs and pool handles.
If you prefer not to risk a public setting, a private kiddie or inflatable pool may be the next best option. But be sure to constantly supervise children in and around the water.
Want to learn more about COVID-19? Visit our Coronavirus health topic center.
Original source can be found here.
Source: C.G.H. Medical Center
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