Community Association Pools Authorized to Re-Open June 22nd. Read the Initial Guidelines from NJ Department of Health

June 9th, 2020 | Community Association Law Blog, News

By Eric F. Frizzell

Governor Philip Murphy stated at his press conference today, June 9, 2020, that municipal and private swim club swimming pools, which includes community association pools, can open on June 22nd. The New Jersey Department of Health (“DOH”) will be issuing formal written standards and guidelines today or tomorrow. The Commissioner of the DOH provided a preview of the guidelines during the press conference today, stating that:

• Pools must reduce their capacity to 50% of the maximum, utilizing measures such as a reservation or pass system and reducing hours

• Staff and patrons must safely distance from one another while in the water and on the pool deck

• Signage and markings should denote six feet of spacing in all commonly used areas

• Patrons are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings when not in the pool and when and if social distancing cannot be maintained. Children under the age of 2 and lifeguards should not wear face coverings. Face coverings should not be worn in the pool

• Pools should designate and stagger access to entry and exit points to avoid congestion

• At designated entry points, pools must post signage that patrons should be on alert for signs of illness, and should stay home if not feeling well or showing symptoms of COVID-19

• Patrons and staff must sign in to facilitate potential contact tracing efforts

• Hand sanitizing stations must be provided throughout the facility

• Occupancy, restroom, shower areas, and locker rooms should be limited to allow social distancing when possible. Foot coverings must be worn in these areas and the DOH recommends installation of foot pedals or motion sensors in shower areas.

• Before entering the facility, staff must be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms

• Gloves should be worn when handling or serving food to patrons

• Routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces should be done several times daily

• Use of pool toys and equipment such as noodles, kickboards, and snorkels should not be permitted.

Our law firm will update our blog once the formal written guidelines are announced. As always, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.