UPDATED: Coronavirus – Swim England guidance
Swim England has published further guidance on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) here (10 March 2020). The earlier advice can be found here (26 February 2020). The latest guidance includes the following statements:
The health and wellbeing of anyone who takes part in any aquatic activity is of paramount importance to everyone at Swim England.
Swim England is currently following the latest guidance from the Government and Public Health England and is advising its members, clubs, learn to swim providers and volunteers to do the same. At this time, Swim England is continuing to plan for events as normal. However, the national governing body will be following the latest information and assessing risk as appropriate.
There have been a number of queries to Swim England about the safety of going swimming. The Pool Water Treatment and Advisory Group (PWTAG) has been in contact with Public Health England regarding novel coronavirus.
A spokesperson for PWTAG said: “Public health opinion is that it is generally safe to go swimming at this time. “Water and the chlorine within swimming pools will help to kill the virus.
“However, visitors to swimming pools are reminded to shower before using the pool, to shower on leaving the pool and to follow the necessary hygiene precautions when visiting public places to help spread the risk of infection.”
“Water and the chlorine within swimming pools will help to kill the virus.
“However, visitors to swimming pools are reminded to shower before using the pool, to shower on leaving the pool and to follow the necessary hygiene precautions when visiting public places to help spread the risk of infection.”
These include:
- washing your hands for at least 20 seconds
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
Most importantly, if you feel unwell, please avoid using the pool.
This announcement from Swim England is not intended to panic anyone and Swim England is sharing the above information to ensure all possible precautions are taken.