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POPSUGAR: Experts agree that swimming is safe during COVID-19, but you’ll need to take precautions

UC expert says going to a public swimming pool comes with some risk

headshot of Bill Bangert By Bill Bangert 513-558-4519
2 minute read May 22, 2020

Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine Division of Infectious diseases was interviewed for an article in POPSUGAR on whether or not it's safe to go to public swimming pools during COVID -19.

Professor Carl J. Fichtenbaum, MD shown here his in lab at MSB. UC/ Joseph Fuqua UC/Joseph Fuqua II

Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases. Photo/Joe Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand

The good news for those who live in areas where public pools have opened is that the risk isn't the water itself. According to the Centers For Disease Control, there's no evidence that the virus can be spread through pools or hot tubs.

Fichtenbaum says the biggest risk is fellow pool goers and the possible transmission from contact in a public area where people are likely not wearing masks and may not be vigilant about practicing social distancing.

"Individuals with COVID-19 might transmit to others, and social distancing is hard in this setting," Dr. Fichtenbaum told POPSUGAR. "And wearing a mask isn't feasible. So, there may be a risk of transmission of COVID-19 when going to a public pool."

Read the entire article here. 

 Lead photo/Getty Images/Carina Konig

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