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CDC issues guidelines for reopening water parks

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chimelong water park

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidelines for operating water parks, including social distancing and hygiene measures, during COVID-19.

As water parks and other aquatic venues are reopening, CDC is offering considerations for operators, managers and visitors of water parks, public pools, hot tubs and water playgrounds.

CDC recommends encouraging all staff and visitors to wash their hands frequently, also covering their coughs and sneezes with their hands.

The use of face coverings is encouraged while social distancing is difficult. However, CDC advises against wearing masks in water as they can be difficult to breathe through when wet.

CDC advises against wearing masks in water

Facilities should also provide adequate supplies of soap, hand sanitiser (with at least 60 percent alcohol), paper towels, tissues and no-touch trash cans.

In addition, CDC suggests posting signs and sharing information about how to stop the spread of COVID-19.

As for disinfecting, CDC recommends frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces and shared objects, and selecting a List N disinfectant approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Attractions should also make sure that the ventilation systems of indoor spaces operate correctly. They should also increase the circulation of outdoor air via windows and doors.

Water parks should enforce social distancing

On social distancing measures, water attractions could change deck layouts and provide physical barriers and visual cues to ensure physical distancing both in and out of the water.

In addition, water parks can discourage visitors from sharing items, such as goggles and snorkels, with people that they don’t live with.

CDC’s guidelines include advice on maintaining healthy operations, and preparing for when someone gets sick.

Check out CDC’s full guidelines, entitled ‘Considerations for Public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playgrounds During COVID-19’.

Guangzhou Chimelong Water Park has announced that it will reopen for the summer season on May 29. It has also teased an upgrade, and will launch special fares before June 15.

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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