Lower Merion High School Community Swim Canceled Until April 12

ARDMORE, PA — In an ongoing effort to protect the school community and community in general from coronavirus infections, the Lower Merion School District has canceled its community swim at Lower Merion High School.

The district said it has canceled community swim at the high school pool through April 12.

Officials will provide more information on the pool's opening, if it does open, at that time, according to the district.

The decision will be made based on public health recommendations.

The district closed Tuesday as two students and a staff member were possibly exposed to the virus after coming into contact with a doctor from the King of Prussia Children's Hospital of Philadelphia facility who has the virus.

On Wednesday the district reopened all its buildings after heavy cleaning Tuesday.

A man and woman living in Lower Merion Township are also quarantined in their home after being diagnosed with presumed cases of the virus.

As of Wednesday, Pennsylvania has 15 cases of the virus.

Governor Tom Wolf last week signed an emergency disaster declaration after the state's first cases were announced Friday. The declaration will provide increased support to state agencies involved in the response to the virus.

State health officials have issued travel guidelines. Anyone who has arrived in Pennsylvania from China or Iran anytime during the outbreaks there will be notified by the state health department they must stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days after travel. Additionally, anyone who has returned from travel in Italy or South Korea within the past 14 days should stay home and practice social distancing for 14 days.

How It Spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person. Someone who is actively sick with COVID-19 can spread the illness to others. That is why CDC recommends that these patients be isolated either in the hospital or at home (depending on how sick they are) until they are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19.
While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention always recommends taking preventive actions to contain the spread of viruses.

This includes:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.