Illinois Department of Public Health
Provides Phase 4 Guidance for Swimming Facilities
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[August 12, 2020]
Under Phase 4 of the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) Restore Illinois plan, swimming facilities licensed by
the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) can open at a
maximum of 50% of capacity. This includes swimming pools, water
parks, splashpads, and beaches.
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“There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 can
spread to people through the water in pools and water playgrounds,”
said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “However, the virus can still
spread between people while in the pool, playing at a water park, or
in a spa. Make sure to keep your distance from other people,
especially if waiting in line or sitting around the pool.”
Swimming facilities are required to have plans that address
maintaining physical distance for areas where people line up to use
a water slide, lazy river, or other water features. This can include
putting up signs, having attendants monitor people, or using
markings. The plan must also address sanitization of all equipment,
such as rafts, tubes, and lounge chairs. These must be sanitized
between each use.
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Operators should limit group sizes to no more than 50
people. Operators, employees, and customers should wear face
coverings when not swimming or using other water features.
Exceptions can be made for children younger than two years or people
with medical conditions or disabilities that prevent them from
safely wearing a face covering.
Pools and water parks should require temperature checks for
employees and customers when entering the facility, as well as
in-person screenings to verify individuals do not have symptoms of
COVID-19.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |