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
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.
Bearcat Mascot, Cheer Team and scholarships help celebrate Decision Day
December 12, 2025
Cincinnati media organization provided news coverage of Decision Day activities at the University of Cincinnati on Dec. 10, 2025. Surprise announcements of the 2026 Marian Spencer Scholarship recipient occurred during the day.
UC awarded nearly $1 million to help fight infant obesity spike
December 12, 2025
University of Cincinnati researcher Cathy Stough spoke with Spectrum News1 about a nearly $1 million National Institutes of Health grant awarded to UC to help prevent infant obesity through early nutrition support and family-based interventions.