The strain of covid-19 spread around the world like wildfire. From China to Italy to India, it wreaked havoc. Countries had to impose lockdowns to restrict its spread. The SOPs included maintaining social distancing and wearing masks. But aside from these measures, other cautions were also added to protect oneself against COVID. One of these was, swimming pools being shut down.
Swimming Pools – the best place for exercise?
The idea behind this measure was sharing a swimming pool would lead to your bacterias easily being transmitted into the water and onto the next person. It did seem like a plausible explanation. But people who are into exercising, know that swimming is the best form. Not only is it fun but you don’t even sweat in the pool. Plus, it tones your whole body as opposed to other exercises that are focused on one part of the body.
For swimmers, hence, the pandemic was bad twofold. However, it seems that the swimming pools are not that scary of a place during this pandemic.
Scientific explanation to Covid and pools
Dr Payal Modi, a specialist medical microbiologist and chairperson of infection control at the NMC Royal hospital, Dubai said:
“Chlorine, which is a strong disinfectant that can destroy or inactivate the SARS COV 2 virus within 30 seconds. People are instructed not to spit or cough in pools, but in case this happens, all bacteria and viruses are destroyed as soon as it touches the water surface, if it contains 1-2 parts per million (PPM) chlorine. Chlorine is what we use to disinfect COVID-19 wards in hospitals too. Therefore, there is no danger of transmission of COVID-19 through swimming pools.”
Water body transmission?
Dr. Mohammad Rafique, medical director of Prime Healthcare and specialist pulmonologist, said:
“So far, as per the Centre for Disease Control, there have been no known cases of transmission of COVID-19 through water bodies. In fact, at pools, where people need to be careful is in locker rooms, showers, and use of any common articles such as nose clips, shower caps, snorkels, etc. The common use of these items has to be avoided. In pools, the designated distance of one to three meters has to be maintained. Maintaining adequate distance in pools can ensure there is no airborne transmission of the virus.”
Stay safe while swimming!
By this definition, swimming pools are primarily safe. With continued chlorine addition will ensure that you do not contract covid through the water. Of course, when you come out of the water, the air above the pool can get contaminated. Hence, make sure that the pool is not crowded and that you are maintaining a two-meter distance from other swimmers.
Most importantly, make sure that chlorine is administered in the pool frequently.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!
