Swimming Pools to Remain Closed as COVID-19 Restrictions Continue

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 18, 2020

Montgomery County health officials today announced that public and private community pools - including homeowners association - will not open Memorial Day weekend for the traditional start of summer, due to COVID-19 restrictions affecting the health and safety of patrons and employees. Restrictions apply to pools operated by Montgomery County Recreation, as well as apartment and condominium complex pools, and private swim clubs.

“We know that many in the community equate pool openings with the official start of the summer season, but ongoing COVID-19 restrictions make it impossible to safely open so that swimmers and employees are protected from the spread,” said County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Licensure & Regulatory Services program recommends that pool operators:

• Continue with all pre-opening maintenance and repairs until further guidance and information is released by the Maryland Department of Health.
• Contact Licensure & Regulatory Services to schedule a pre-opening inspection.  Inspections are taking place.
• Prepare now, as there may be a delay in scheduling an inspection once an opening date is announced.
• When a reopening date is announced, there will likely be prevention practices in place that highlight handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, the wearing of face coverings, where feasible; and space modifications to ensure physical distancing.

Montgomery County Recreation has seven public outdoor pools:

• Bethesda Outdoor Pool;
• Germantown Outdoor Pool;
• Long Branch Outdoor Pool;
• Martin Luther King Jr. Outdoor Pool;
• Sara E. Auer Western County Outdoor Pool;
• Sergeant Hector I. Ayala Wheaton/Glenmont Outdoor Pool; and
• Upper County Outdoor Pool.

Indoor pools will remain closed.  When pools reopen, patrons can expect to see new procedures in place to ensure the safety of everyone. New procedures may include, but are not limited to:

• Admission for County residents and current pass holders only;
• Limiting the number of people admitted into the pool;
• Closure of some pool features;
• Ensuring people maintain physical distancing of at least six feet on the pool deck; and
• Requesting that people bring their own pool chairs.

To schedule a pre-opening inspection, contact Licensure & Regulatory Services at 240-777-3986 or call 311.

For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit the County’s COVID-19 website and follow Montgomery County on Facebook @MontgomeryCountyInfo and Twitter @MontgomeryCoMD.

Put the “count” in Montgomery County! Be sure to complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s safe, confidential, easy, and important. #2020Census #EveryoneCountsMCMD

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Release ID: 20-261
Media Contact: Julie Parker 240-777-6507