CAN WATER OR SWIMMING TRANSMIT COVID -19 VIRUS?

CAN WATER OR SWIMMING TRANSMIT COVID -19 VIRUS?

There have been claims that people can get Covid- 19 virus through water while swimming in swimming pools and many people who are considering heading to the swimming pool are wondering if the virus can spread in the pool. This is not true

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says that it is not necessarily the case. “As of now, there’s no evidence that the coronavirus spreads through pool water — and you’re even safer if you swim outside because outdoor pools have a lower risk than indoor ones,” The New York Times explains. They also said that it is safer to swim in water treated with chlorine.

An infectious disease expert, Amesh Adalja, also weighed in by saying: “The coronavirus doesn’t survive in chlorinated water.” One thing that she says to be cautious of are surfaces around the pool, including locker rooms and decks. It may be possible for the virus to live and spread in those areas. In order to swim safely, keep a supply of hand sanitizer with you. Social distancing is also important inside of the pool, just as it is outside of the pool.

There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of recreational waters. Follow safe swimming practices along with social distancing and everyday preventative actions to protect yourself.

This message is brought to you by Sky Fm in collaboration with Code for Africas’iLab Data Journalism Program supported by DW Akademie