Protect yourself, others as pools, gyms reopen
Nail salons, barber shops, pools, gyms, beaches, casinos, restaurants and more are slowly reopening, and many people are wondering how to stay safe as they start to venture outside their homes.
You’ve asked us dozens of questions about how to prevent catching and spreading the coronavirus, and we’re speaking with experts to answer them.
It’s important to note that the answers vary on a case-by-case basis and depend on how much risk you’re willing to take on, experts say.
“We just have to realize that nothing is without risk, and people have different levels of tolerance for that risk,” said Dr. Stacey Rose, an assistant professor of medicine in the section of infectious diseases at Baylor College of Medicine. “We have to be ready to pivot as we learn more about this disease, transmission risks, and how we can mitigate that. Everybody needs to have a healthy dose of cautious optimism.”
There is no evidence that the coronavirus can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water play areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
I have a 7-year-old grandson, and they are opening swimming pools. How can I protect him? – Connie from Columbus, Ohio
There is no evidence that the coronavirus can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water play areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disinfecting the water with chlorine or bromine – disinfectants typically used in pools and hot tubs, respectively – should inactivate the virus, the CDC says.
Other human coronaviruses have been shown to be sensitive to chlorination, according to the World Health Organization.
The CDC published guidance for public pools, hot tubs and water parks on how to safely reopen. The agency suggests modifying layouts to promote social distancing, regularly disinfecting surfaces, staggering use of communal spaces, encouraging the use of cloth face masks (but not in water) and more.
The CDC suggests that pool operators consult with the company or engineer that designed the pool to decide which Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectant would be best for the water.
However, the greatest risk at pools isn’t the water, experts say. It’s the other people at the pool, who could spread the virus through respiratory droplets when they cough or sneeze.
“If you’re in a community that has transmission, a community swimming pool makes no sense,” said Greg Poland, director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group. People tend to laugh, shout and spit in the pool, possibly exposing others to their respiratory droplets, Poland said. Risk of transmission increases if the pool is crowded.
An outdoor pool would likely be a safer option than an indoor pool, especially if visitors are able to socially distance, Rose said.
“But don’t have your July Fourth celebration with 100 people packed into a pool. That’s not going to happen,” Rose said.
Going to the beach may be an even safer option. “The ocean can be very different. You’re bringing all your own equipment. You’re outside. You can appropriately distance. (But) I wouldn’t be swimming in the ocean with 50 people around me,” Poland said.
Is it safe to go to the gym? – Patti from Salem, Oregon
Many gyms are putting protocols in place that may reduce the risk of transmission, such as separating workout equipment and limiting the number of people inside the gym at any given time.
“Provided that you are abiding by the guidance that is put in place, that’s the best way to protect yourself. But like everything in life, it’s a risk-benefit consideration,” Rose said. “If you’re over 65 but you depend on your participation at the gym for your physical and mental well-being, and it’s your community, then you need to weigh that risk for yourself.”
You can always discuss the risks with your doctor, too, Rose said.