The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidance for unvaccinated people who are visiting beaches and pools. This information was updated on February 19, 2021.
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 virus is thought to spread mostly person-to-person, by respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
The virus might also spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose, mouth, or possibly eyes. Infected people can spread the virus whether or not they have symptoms.
Things to do to reduce your risk of getting or spreading the virus when you go to public swim areas such as beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs:
Use social distancing in and out of the water. Whether you’re in or out of the water, stay at least 6 feet away from people you don’t live with. Avoid crowded swim areas, beaches, pools, water playgrounds, and hot tubs where you cannot stay 6 feet away from others.
Wear a mask
Wear masks when you are not in the water.
Do not place a mask on children younger than 2 years of age or on anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without help.
Wash hands often and avoid sharing items
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or drinking and when you arrive and leave the swim area. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and rub until your hands are dry.
Avoid sharing items, such as food, equipment, toys and supplies, with people who don’t live with you.
If you are not wearing a mask, be sure to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or inside of your elbow, throw the tissue in the trash, and wash your hands immediately, or if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
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