Swimming pools may reopen on August 10. CECC: Scheduling and crowd control are required!

Since Taiwan lowered the Covid-19 alert to level two on July 27, sea water areas and gyms have reopened for use, but swimming pools are still on the banned list. Chen Shi-chung (陳時中), the commander of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC, 中央流行疫情指揮中心指揮官), announced that athletes’ training programs should proceed as soon as possible. Swimming pools will be allowed to open, but it must comply with the relevant regulations of the guidelines. There is an observation period of two weeks as required for epidemic prevention. After August 9, there will be no major changes in the alert level and swimming pools will have relevant guidelines for reopening.

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Chen Shi-chung reminded that the swimming pool must be opened at different times and the flow of people must be controlled. Photo/provided by the CECC

Chen Shi-chung, the CECC commander, said that regarding the issue of swimming pool reopening, he discussed with the Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) and other representatives. He believes that athletes should proceed with their training programs. Swimming pools will soon be allowed to reopen but should comply with the guidelines, including proper preparation and contingency measures, implementation of crowd control and contact tracing, and scheduled use and disinfection. The MOE will formulate relevant guidelines and report them to local authorities for implementation.

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The training program for swimmers should proceed as soon as possible. Photo/Retrieved from "Liberty Times"

After the Covid-19 level two alert expires on August 9, the alert level will continue and will not be reduced. Chen Shi-chung emphasized that with regards to lowering the alert level, it may need two weeks of observation; therefore, there will be no major changes for now. Swimming pool operators have raised individual problems, and individual solutions will be sought. After August 10, planning and operations will be carried out based on these standards.