Westchester To Open 2 More Pools

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Westchester County Executive George Latimer did his penultimate daily news conference at Willson's Woods Pool in Mount Vernon Thursday. He had previously announced that Monday's briefing, which is likely to coincide with the MidHudson Region entering into Phase 4 of the state's reopening, will be his last.

Latimer took the opportunity to remind the public that two more pools will be opening this weekend.

On Friday, July 3 the county will open Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon, and Tibbetts Brook Pool in Yonkers. Last Friday, June 26 the County opened Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains and Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers. All will be open to Westchester County residents with some slight modifications to help ensure safety in the wake of COVID-19, Latimer said.

Modifications include:

• No Aqua Playground at Saxon Woods Pool
• No Aqua Splash Pad at Sprain Ridge Pool
• No Waves in the Wave Pool or Aqua Playground/Splash Pad at Willson’s Woods Pool
• No Lazy River Tubes, Aqua Playground, Water Slides or Basketball Court at Tibbetts Brook Park Pool.

To further ensure safety, the pools will follow New York State and Westchester County Department of Health regulations of 50 percent maximum occupancy. The pools will be first come first serve entry with two public pool sessions throughout the day.

• Open Session 1: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Clean/Disinfect: 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
• Open Session 2: 3 p.m.-6 p.m.
• Clean/Disinfect: 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

When Session 1 tickets are sold out, Session 2 tickets will go on sale to remaining patrons. When session 2 ticket are sold out no more tickets will be sold for that day. No rainchecks, re-entry or refunds. Westchester County Department of Public Safety and Parks staff will posted at entrances informing guests if session is sold out prior to parking. Also, Parks staff will make announcement every half hour reminding guests to use all proper social distancing guidelines and guests must wear a mask or face covering anytime they are closer than 6 feet from any other guest. Masks will be required to enter restrooms.

This summer the county will not be opening Playland Pool. Based on NYS guidelines, swimming pools must be closed if they are near a beach front. During this time, the County will be exploring how quickly renovations to the pool can be completed with the hope that it will be able to open in June 2021. This exact timeline is not yet known.

The Westchester County Health Department advises residents to keep the following sun safety tips in mind over the holiday weekend, and throughout the summer:

Studies have shown that it only takes a few serious sunburns to increase your risk of skin cancer later in life. Use sunscreen and use it correctly when spending time outdoors.

• Always use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, 20 minutes before you are in the sun. Remember to apply to ears, top of feet and back of your hands.
• If using an insect repellant, apply the sunscreen first.
• You can be exposed to UV rays even on cloudy days, so continue to apply sunscreen.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.

Other Sun Safety Tips:

• Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours, and take regular breaks from physical activity.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool. Don’t forget to cover your head with a ventilated hat.
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Stay hydrated, but avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks which cause you to lose more body fluid.
• During COVID-19 – enjoy the pool and other outdoor summer activities, but remember to social distance and wear a mask whenever you are unable to stay at least six feet away from other people.
• Bring extra masks to the pool in case masks get wet.

Coronavirus Update

• 275,161 residents tested for new coronavirus to date, representing 27.5 percent of the population
• Number of active cases: 503 (slightly up from Wednesday)
• Number of people testing positive Wednesday: 46 (out of about 4,500 tests)
• 1 death overnight, bringing total to 1,426 since beginning of outbreak

Latimer said the county is continuing to monitor the Chappaqua spike in positive cases. He said the geographic location of the new cases is also being monitored to see if it's an isolated situation or more widespread.

The map of confirmed and active cases by community could not be uploaded at this time. It can be found at this link.