New York City indoor pools have been cleared to re-open at 33% capacity, starting September 30, according to a report from Gothamist in New York. The indoor pools will be open for the first time since March.
“Swimming pools are a community anchor, an exercise center, and an oasis in their neighborhoods—both literally and figuratively,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. “New Yorkers have worked hard to fight back COVID-19. As transmission rates remain low, we’re proud to offer more ways to slowly return to business as usual.”
The state of New York yesterday reported 652 new COVID-19 cases as the state has not reported over 1000 since early June.
New York City indoor pools have been among the last to be re-opened amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asphalt Green, a fitness center with locations on the Upper East Side and in Battery Park City, will open its indoor swimming pools at both locations on Thursday, October 1.
Asphalt Green is requiring all swimmers to wear face coverings when traveling to and from the pool deck and may only be removed when the swimmer is entering the water. Swimmers are responsible for bringing their own bag to store their face covering in designated areas on the pool deck, and swim coaches and instructors will wear face coverings at all times when not in the water.
The pool will be cleared of swimmers before and after every swim session for a deep cleaning.
Indoor pools in the rest of New York have been open since June under strict safety and social distancing guidelines.