Are swimming pools safe during the time of COVID-19? At a Thursday video press conference with Governor David Ige and the other county Mayors, Mayor Harry Kim explained why he was not allowing county swimming pools on the island to reopen: “One of the things about swimming pools, I was trying to read up on it and listen to people that are the so-called experts, and realizing how dangerous that is, I think everyone who swims, you know almost everybody takes water in their mouth and spit it out, and blow there nose, and lord help us, people even urinate in a pool and whatever, in a contained pool. I would not feel safe until I have all the information I need to know those things are not gonna be passed on to me… number one has to be the safety of the people. A swimming pools is a thing that’s nice to have but definitely don’t need to have. We’ve got a beautiful ocean out there. I urge caution, the world is still learning about this virus.”
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says there is no evidence of the coronavirus spreading via pools. The CDC’s web site says “There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus.”
The CDC says people should still stay 6 feet away from others, and wear masks when around others and not in the pool. And nobody should leave home if sick.
Here’s what the CDC information about pools says:
There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds. Additionally, proper operation of these aquatic venues and disinfection of the water (with chlorine or bromine) should inactivate the virus.
While there is ongoing community spread of the virus, it is important for individuals, as well as operators of public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds (for example, at hotels or apartment complexes or owned by communities) to take steps to ensure health and safety:
- Everyone should follow state, local, territorial, or tribal guidance that might determine when and how public pools, hot tubs, or water playgrounds may operate and might include CDC considerations.
- Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds, both in and out of the water – for example, by staying at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with and wearing cloth face covers when not in the water.
- In addition to ensuring water quality and safety, operators of public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds should follow guidance on cleaning and disinfecting community facilities.
Most public pools on O’ahu and Maui will open next week, with restrictions.
For the CDC page about how COVID-19 spreads, click here.
