Pools Opening In Putnam With Coronavirus Restrictions

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — The coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, continues to spread, and social or physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and face coverings remain the best protections, Putnam officials reminded residents as the county continues to reopen.

This week Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the green light to local leadership to reopen pools provided that plans could be put in place to follow state-issued guidance regarding distancing, masks and enhanced cleaning.

"Summer is finally and officially here,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell in a news release, "and our outdoor pools have begun to reopen. We have taken a good look at our health metrics with our Health Commissioner Dr. Nesheiwat. Fortunately all are continuing in the right direction. His environmental health director and staff are working with our pool personnel to assist them with implementing the new guidance."

Putnam County had no new positive cases of new coronavirus Thursday. Since the outbreak began, Putnam has had 1,282 confirmed cases and 62 deaths, according to the New York State Health Department. The Hudson Valley's percentage of positive cases per 100,000 residents was 1.1 percent as of Thursday.

Pool operators are submitting plans describing how they will uphold social distancing and mask-wearing practices and what measures for cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces will be in place, said Michael J. Nesheiwat, MD.

Six feet of separation will be required between groups of patrons at pools and beaches, and each group will be limited to 10 individuals from a household or family unit. Masks should not be worn in the water, but distancing should be maintained there. On the pool deck or beach, masks must be worn if six feet of distance is not possible between one group and another. Patrons will be seeing increased availability and promotion of hand hygiene practices as well, either with the preferred method of soap and water, or with hand sanitizer.

"It is important to remember that masks should not be worn while swimming,” Dr. Nesheiwat said. "However, the six-feet rule does apply in the water as well. So please, let’s respect everyone’s boundaries. That way we will all stay safe and keep this coronavirus from spreading.

"It is also not the time to relax from watching children around water," he added. "Drowning happens quickly. A child should never be left alone even for a moment near any water."