February 2020

You’d think swimming might be a bad idea during this 2019-nCoV virus  Outbreak, but Dr. Elliott, Doctor & Co-founder of Rxemedium.io (Telemedicine) reassures us that swimming it’s actually one of the safer activities to participate in.

What should we know about the 2019-nCoV virus?

Coronaviruses spread by droplets, they would be completely washed off by the sheer amount of water in the swimming pool. The water will negate the effects of the virus, so there’s no harm.

Can the virus be spread through water such as swimming pools?

Medical expert Asst ProfAnderson from Duke-NUS Medical School reassures us that it is unlikely that the coronavirus can be spread through water, especially chlorinated swimming pools. The chlorine from the pool does kill most of the bacteria, and the virus would not be transmitted via the pool water. 

As your trusted swim school, we have taken several precautionary and preventative measures based on the guideline issued by the Ministry of Health Malaysia as follows:

1. Self-Quarantine: For students/ patrons who have been in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), or came into close contact with someone who did, on or after 1 February 2020 or in Hubei Province (China) at any time are advised to self-isolate for 14 days after landing in Malaysia (other than when seeking medical care). 
2. Monitor Your Health: For students/ families/ patron who feels unwell and develops shortness of breath, cough or respiratory illness are advised to seek medical attention. You are advised to avoid sending your child(ren) or yourself to the pool until a medical clearance from a doctor is received.
3. Sanitization and Disinfection of Pool Equipment: We are working closely with the pool management team to optimize the pool disinfection and chlorine level, as well as sanitizing all swim equipment, toys, and facilities on a frequent basis to eliminate any possibilities of bacteria or virus infestation.
4. Coaches on Duty: There might be replacement coach(es) assigned to you/ your child(ren)’s current swim class if the coaches present any of the above-mentioned symptoms. The coaches would be advised to take medical leave until permitted with professional medical advice in order to avoid coming in contact with any students to keep the situation under control.

As we have advised our students and coaches to take precautionary and preventative measures during this season of viral outbreak, we would arrange replacement classes for those who are feeling unwell to attend until the symptoms have cleared.

We would like to thank all parents who have trusted us with your children during this period of time. We will keep monitoring the situation whilst strengthening our routine hygiene care to ensure all our students will have a splashing good time with us in the water!

Sources:

1. https://www.todayonline.com/8days/liveandlearn/vanityandhealth/it-still-safe-go-swimming-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-how-about
2. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/faq-wuhan-coronavirus-and-its-outbreak-12373466