With the increase in high temperatures in Southern California, the possibility that more people want to use the pools of their apartment complexes to cool off from the heat rises.

Others, however, say they are afraid to do so for fear that some COVID-19 contagion may occur in the water.

Celeste González, who lives in Northridge, said that the building where she lives has a pool and that she usually went, but after the pandemic broke out, she has refused to go inside.

“I have heard that there have been no cases in the pools but I am still concerned,” he said.

He added that in this hot weather, I would rather go to the beach since the sea water flows, something that does not happen in the pools.

It should be noted that so far there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through the water of swimming pools, explains the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, if you go to one of them it is important to maintain physical distance from other people who are not part of your family group.

Dr. Ilan Shapiro, medical director of health and wellness education at the AltaMed clinic, said that especially in swimming pools when chlorine is present, germs and viruses disappear. He added that the worrying thing is when people do not keep six feet away.

“If there is chlorine in the pool but there is no social distancing, we are exposing ourselves to possible contagion,” he explained.

“For me the most important and worrying thing is that people follow the three basic rules: social distancing, wearing a mask and constantly washing their hands with soap and water.”

Although the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has allowed the reopening and use of swimming pools located in apartments, condos, and homeowners associations, it also requests that tenants follow the stated rules.

Pools can usually only be at a 25% capacity and if the person has symptoms related to COVID-19, they are asked not to enter.

In the event that three or more cases are identified within the site within 14 days, the owner must report to the county Health Department.

At the public level, the parks and beaches are open. However, to control the rebound in coronavirus cases, several recreational areas remain closed – that is the case with the 30 public pools in the county, according to the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation.

The CDC indicates that decisions about reopening the public and private pools should be made locally in collaboration with local health officials.

States can determine whether and how certain considerations need to be implemented while adjusting them to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the local jurisdiction.

Measures to maintain control

The Health Department requests that pool owners and visitors follow some basic tips.

These include making sure that the chemicals included are suitable for disinfection.

  • Implement a cleaning and disinfection plan for frequently touched surfaces such as slides, floats, handrails, or railings. It is best for everyone to bring their own games to the pool, if allowed, to share only with members of your household.
  • Use an EPA approved disinfectant.
  • Encourage all staff and those using the pool to cover their noses and mouths when coughing and sneezing.
  • Do not go to the pool if you have symptoms or if you know you have been exposed to
    disease in the last 14 days, indicates the CDC.

For more tips on how to safely enjoy the pool visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/parks-rec/aquatic-venues.html

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