Is it safe to swim at pools during the pandemic?

What CDC wants you to know before you hit the pool

(KYMA, KECY)-Heading to the pool? Well the good news is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there's no evidence COVID-19 can be spread through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas.

On Wednesday, CDC published new guidelines for operating swimming pools during the coronavirus pandemic.

Furthermore, CDC says social gathering should be followed. Avoiding group events, gatherings, or meetings both in and out of the water if social distancing of at least 6 feet between people who don’t live together cannot be maintained.

“There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas,” according to the CDC. “Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.”

The CDC offers the following tips if you decide to visit a local swimming pool this summer:

• Everyone should follow local and state guidelines that may determine when and how recreational water facilities may operate.
• Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at recreational water venues both in and out of the water – for example, by practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene.
• In addition to ensuring water safety and quality, owners and operators of community pools, hot tubs, spas, and water play areas should follow the interim guidance for businesses and employers for cleaning and disinfecting their community facilities, according to LEX 18 News.