LEGAL action will be taken against swimming pool owners who fail to follow strict and specific health guidelines as they resume operations later this week, said an edict.
Facilities can be occupied to only 30 per cent of its capacity at any given time, while a group using the pool shall not be of more than five people, according to the directives from the Health Ministry.
The GDN reported last week that gyms, swimming pools and outdoor sport fields will be reopened on Thursday in a further easing of restrictions enforced following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Government Executive Committee announced the decisions based on the recommendations of the National Taskforce to Combat Covid-19.
The edict signed by Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh also added that the facilities will be inspected periodically.
“All precautionary measures must be enforced to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at swimming pools, as commercial and industrial outlets are resuming operations,” said the edict, a copy of which the GDN secured.
“This is to prevent infection, and violators will face legal action,” it warned.
According to the directives, people who are living with those in self-quarantine for Covid-19 or who have come in contact with a positive case will not be allowed to use the pool.
“Employees at the pools and people who use it must fill up a form with all personal details to help in contact tracing, before entering.
“This also includes a questionnaire on the travel and health history of the person focusing on any potential symptoms and if they have come in contact with a Covid-19 positive case.
“Anyone with symptoms should not be allowed to enter and must be reported to 444.
“They should disclose if they live at home with a person who is under self-quarantine, and if yes, this person shall be prevented from entering the pool.”
Among the other instructions are visible notices at pool sides on health and hygiene precautions to be followed, as well as sanitisers at different points, easily accessible to users.
“Each group (at the pool) shall not exceed five persons, while the facility must accommodate only 30pc of its capacity at a given time,” said the edict.
“Sanitisers with alcohol concentration of no less than 70pc must be kept at the entrance and at different places accessible to users of the facility.
“The maintenance of the pool must be done by specialised personnel who must ensure the water is free of microbes.
“The place should have appropriate stock including towels washed in warm water of 80C or more, while users are advised to use their own towels.”
It also called for the disinfection and cleaning of pools and toilets after each use, limited to two hours for a group.
All electronic equipment must be sterilised before closing the facility and any personal belongings left behind must be disposed of.
Adequate waste bins and regular and proper disposal of waste have also been stipulated.
“Life-guards must be appointed while personal lockers must be disinfected after each use.
“Retail shops near the facility are permitted, while remaining committed to health guidelines and are asked to encourage card payments.
“Any facility should close by itself, if it finds incapable of following these guidelines and swimming pools will be undergo regular inspection,” added the edit.
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