Strict cleanliness and sanitisation guidelines have been issued for swimming pools across the country.
Private and public swimming pools have been closed since March as part of national efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.
A date for their reopening has not been set yet, but the Health Ministry has laid out a series of requirements in order to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The new guidelines issued by Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh have been posted on the Information Affairs Ministry’s newsletter.
They state that operators of swimming pools must ensure the facilities are regularly sanitised and the source of the water is clean, clear and empty of any chemical contaminants or germs.
“The management of these establishments must ensure that the chlorine ratio in the pools is between one to three parts per million and the pH value be between 6.8 and 7.8,” state the guidelines.
“The pools must be closed for two hours after sanitisation in order for the chemical to concentrate.
“The management must make sure that there are no swimming lessons and meets for swimming teams inside the pools.”
Signs should also be erected to remind guests to abide by social distancing rules and to ensure the maximum number of people in one group does not exceed five.
All guests must wear masks when interacting with other people and if they do not comply they will be asked to leave the establishment.
Tourist establishments that sell items by pools can do so as long as they abide by the same rules enforced on retail shops in shopping malls.
Customers are encouraged to pay their bills electronically and abide by social distancing rules, while all food vendors must close their dining areas and only offer take-away services.
Clear signs must also be erected to inform visitors to pools not to share equipment such as goggles, fins or caps, and to ensure there is no physical contact during swimming or resting.
“The pools must have clearly marked lanes to indicate distance to make sure that social distancing is observed at all times in the pools,” added the guidelines.
“These requirements must be enforced by lifeguards or other certified employees stationed near the pools at all operating hours.
“As for lockers, their usage must be rotated to avoid several people using the same locker in a row and they must be sanitised after each use.
“Guests are encouraged to bring their own towels and if the establishment wishes to provide towels then they must be placed in closed and sanitised baskets with clear labels.”
The guidelines also state that the temperature of all employees and guests must be scanned to ensure they do not exceed 37.5.
If they do, or if they show any symptoms of Covid-19, then they cannot be allowed entry and must call 444 immediately.
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