23 Jun Is it safe to swim during Covid-19?
With so many activities coming to a halt, one wonders if it is safe to swim during the current pandemic? The answer is yes! According to NEA and experts, there is no evidence to prove that COVID-19 can be transmitted via swimming pool. Especially a properly treated pool that thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and tested water sample. Thus, it is safe for swimmers. And so, you do not have to worry too if you have accidentally swallowed the water.
Safe To Swim With These 2 Steps
On the other hand, bigger risks come from talking to other swimmers or being near to those who cough and sneeze at the pool. To protect yourself, keep distance, whether you are inside the pool or outside of it. Keep swimming when you are inside the pool, and do not gather around if you are outside of the pool.
Maintain Safe Distance
Maintain a reasonable distance from other users. Do not join in for a conversation or blend into groups of swimmers to catch up. This is because none of you are wearing a mask. Keep safe distance when using public shower room. Likewise, try to avoid shower handles that can spread the virus or just any public items. Always have a bottle of hand sanitiser at hand in case touching such items could not be avoided.
Personal Hygiene Practices
It is important to practice good hygiene, more so during the current pandemic. Shower yourself before entering the pool and after leaving it. Give yourself a thorough shampoo and soap bath to eliminate any germs that may have found their way to your skin or hair. This is for your own safety as well as for the other users.
Some swimmers have this undesirable habit of urinating or spitting in the pool. This is the time to stop doing so. Contaminating the water with body fluid will not do anyone any good. Go to the toilet if you need to urinate or spit. If you are bringing children along, remind them before letting them into the pool.
If you are healthy, there is no reason to stop swimming during this current pandemic. But if you are unwell, then it is only sensible to stay home.
Covid-19 and its transmission
To date, with nearly a million people infected, almost five hundred thousand dead, and hundreds of million still in lockdown across the globe, the coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a standstill.
As we know the virus that causes Covid-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. In fact, these droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. We can be infected by breathing in the virus if we are within close proximity of someone who has Covid-19 or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay safe!
Did you know?
According to NEA, all swimming pool & water features must be disinfected and tested before reopening. Please do not hesitate to contact FPNP team if you need pool maintenance service.