Yahoo: Experts agree that swimming is safe during COVID-19, but you'll need to take precautions
UC expert says public pools present social distancing challenges
Carl Fichtenbaum, MD, of the UC College of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases was featured in an article on Yahoo on the risks posed by public swimming pools as we head from spring into summer.
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? 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. The greater risk comes from fellow swimmers.
Dr. Fichtenbaum agreed, noting that going to a public pool often means showering in a common location and using shared bathrooms. "Individuals with COVID-19 might transmit to others, and social distancing is hard in this setting," Dr. Fichtenbaum said. "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.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Stay up on all UC's COVID-19 stories, read more #UCtheGood content, or take a UC virtual visit and begin picturing yourself at an institution that inspires incredible stories.
Related Stories
Recent advances may speed time to endometriosis diagnosis
March 16, 2026
The average time to clinical diagnosis of endometriosis is nine years. Definitive diagnosis of the disease is difficult, and until recently, has relied on laparoscopic surgery. Now, as Medscape recently reported, novel clinical recommendations, advanced diagnostic tools and research into inflammation and immune responses, are bringing promise that women with endometriosis will find relief sooner and without surgery, according to experts, including Katie Burns, PhD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine associate professor.
Position-specific helmets may not improve protection
March 16, 2026
Local 12 highlighted a new study by biomedical engineering researchers that looked at how well new football helmets protected players from impacts that can cause concussions.
UC biologist talks about 'pearmageddon'
March 16, 2026
WLWT talks to UC biologist and Department Head Theresa Culley about invasive, nonnative Callery pear trees that are spreading across Ohio forests after they were introduced by landscapers more than 50 years ago.