Coronavirus Update From Missoula Parks And Recreation

Press Release From the City of Missoula:

Posted on March 9, 2020

Missoula Parks and Recreation and Currents Aquatics Center are following the guidance of the Missoula City-County Health Department (MCCHD), the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services regarding COVID-19.

According to public health experts at the health department, the risk of getting coronavirus in Missoula County is currently low, and there are currently no cases in Missoula County. The Department will update residents as the situation evolves, and as more information becomes available. Visit the MCCHD’s website at http://missoula.co/cvirus for updates or call the county hotline 406-258-INFO.

Find additional information at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Recreation/Aquatics program impacts

As of March 9, recreation and aquatics programs will meet as scheduled. Indoor facilities, like Currents Aquatics Center and the City Life Gym, and all outdoor facilities, will remain open. Most park restrooms are closed for the season.

Program cancellations or facility closures will be at the direction of MCCHD. In the event of a program cancellation or closure, we will notify registrants/patrons via our website, www.missoulaparks.org, Facebook, and the news media. Registered program participants will be contacted by email or telephone. Questions or concerns? Contact us at 721-PARK (7275), or email parksrec@ci.missoula.mt.us.

Increased cleaning at indoor facilities

As a best practice to prevent the spread of viruses during this cold and flu season, and in response to general concerns over Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), Parks and Recreation is increasing custodial cleaning efforts at our indoor facilities and in our passenger transport vans.

In addition to our already-established custodial routines, we will increase the number of times per day that the following high-traffic areas are sanitized at Currents Aquatics Center, City Life Gym, and in our passenger transport vans:

• Restroom/locker room countertops, stall handles, faucets, toilet handles.
• Lobby countertops and pass swipers.
• Entry/exit door handles and surrounding areas.
• Vending machines.
• Workspaces, computer keyboards, telephones.
• Passenger vans: door handles, armrests, seats, other hard surfaces.

Swimming pool sanitation

Both Currents Aquatics Center and Splash Montana have state-of-the-art water sanitation systems. Currents uses ultraviolet light as well as traditional water disinfectants like bromine and chlorine. These systems are extremely effective at inactivating viruses and bacteria that may be introduced to the pool water.

Outdoor facilities

Most park restrooms are closed for the winter and will be re-opened next month after the danger of frost has passed. Facility managers will work with MCCHD to evaluate cleaning/sanitation schedules at that time. When visiting playgrounds, dog parks, and other outdoor facilities, use the commonsense hygiene measures outlined by MCCHD below. As always, if you’re sick, please stay home*.

How can you help?*

While there is no vaccine to prevent the disease, you can decrease your risk by doing the same things you do to prevent the common cold and flu. These include the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Stay home if you are ill, except to get medical care.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces with a bleach solution or products that say they are effective against SARS-like, CoV-2, or other emerging pathogens.
• CDC DOES NOT recommend using face masks to prevent the disease.
• *(Adapted from MCCHD Summary Sheet)

Questions or concerns? Contact us at 721-PARK (7275), or email parksrec@ci.missoula.mt.us.

This press release was produced by the City of Missoula. The views expressed here are the author’s own.