As you may be aware, Governor Hogan recently announced modifications to the COVID emergency orders for Maryland.  After reviewing them, we have determined that they should have minimal impact on current pool operations.  However, two areas are worth noting:

 

1) The Governor extended the mask-wearing mandate to outdoor areas where consistent social distancing isn’t possible.  This is consistent with our current policy to require masks while on deck and interacting with others outside of your household.  The state guidance specifically exempts wearing masks in the water, as wet masks hinder breathing.

 

2) The Governor imposed self-quarantine measures for people who have recently returned from out-of-state trips to certain “hot spot” states (as of July 29, the advisory applies to Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama, South Carolina, Nebraska, and Idaho.).  If you or someone in your household has recently visited one of these areas, please do not come to the pool until you have received a negative COVID test result upon returning to the state.

 

Again, thanks to all who are going out of their way to comply with these social distancing rules to keep everyone at the pool safe.  And a reminder to please be considerate of others’ need to socially distance, especially while in the water (where masks are not allowed).  Avoid taking up space with spread-out games (such as “catch”) that may restrict the available distancing space from other swimmers.  Do not share lap lanes.  Do not bring toys that can be shared (intentionally or not) with others or can contribute to unwelcome social contact (such as over-throwing a ball in a game of catch into a group of unsuspecting bystanders).

 

Hope to see you at the pool!

 

Chris