Ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the pool

School is over and the kids are eager to have fun in the summer, but this year it will look different because of COVID-19.

Dr Frank Esper, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, said if you’re splashing in a hotel or community pool, water shouldn’t be a problem.

“The coronavirus spreads mainly through the air in small droplets. This is unlikely to go through the water, ”said Esper. “Pool water should not lead to the spread of the coronavirus, except that pools gather a group of people in a small area.”

Experts say pools should be well maintained, including disinfection with chlorine or bromine.

Chlorinated pool water kills viruses and should inactivate the coronavirus. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pool staff must regularly disinfect all high-contact areas, such as handrails, lounge chairs, slides, and restroom facilities.

Many pools now have occupancy limits to reduce crowd size, but you will want to practice social distancing and stay 6 feet away from others in and around the pool.

Also, remember to wash or disinfect your hands after touching commonly used areas like the bathroom, door handles, or railings.

And don’t forget to bring a mask.

“If you’re lounging outside on the pool deck or next to a pool, wearing a mask is probably a good idea when you’re not swimming,” Esper said. “We don’t recommend that you wear a mask while swimming or playing in the water.”

Esper said that because public pools gather groups of people and generally attract children, they are probably not the best place to hang out this summer if it is considered high risk for COVID-19.