Is It Safe To Swim In Pools During The Coronavirus Pandemic?
We are now in Phase 2 of reopening North Carolina; under this, pools are now allowed to open and operate under 50% capacity. Even my apartment complex just sent out…
You know the deal: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before jumping into the pool, or else your digestive tract will use up the blood that should be going to your arms and legs. This is nonsense, according to Duke Primary Care Timberlyne physician Mark Messick, who says, “the body does supply extra blood to aid in digestion, but not enough blood to keep your arm and leg muscles from properly functioning. Your biggest danger related to eating and swimming is probably a minor cramp.”
(Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)We are now in Phase 2 of reopening North Carolina; under this, pools are now allowed to open and operate under 50% capacity. Even my apartment complex just sent out an email in regards to our pool and how they plan to re-open it amid coronavirus concerns. Nothing sounds better on these hot Carolina summer days then jumping in the pool, but is it safe?
The answer is kind of muddy...
Experts have found that coronavirus can survive for days and even weeks in water. But even though it is surviving, it doesn't mean it can still infect you. The CDC says there is no evidence that coronavirus can actually spread or infect people who come in contact with it in the water. And for even better news, Chlorine (you know, the chemical they put in pools that makes them so blue) actually kills viruses.
So although you should still take precautions when heading to the pool this summer, don't worry about the water itself being contaminated.
