Campgrounds, Youth Camps, Resident Camps & Public Swimming Pools
Applicable Orders
The Ohio Department of Health Director issued a Director's Second Order to Extend the Expiration Date of Various Orders. This Order effective July 6, 2020 states that the Director "ordered that the expiration date of various Director of Health Orders be extended as set forth in this order. The Order shall remain in full force and effect until the earlier of the state of Emergency declared by the governor no longer exists, or the Director of the Ohio Department of Health rescinds or modifies this order".
Furthermore, the Order states "the sector specific requirements and guidelines in the Order may be amended and posted at coronavirus.ohio.gov and are then to be considered incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten into the order, when ordered by the Director of Health".
Specific attention should be given to the following sections for the prevention and spread of contagious and infectious diseases and to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Section 2: Extends the Expiration Date of Various Orders
- Part 2(b) extends the May 20, 2020 Director’s Order that Reopens Campgrounds, with Exceptions
- Part 2(c) extends the May 22, 2020 Director's Order for Baseball, Softball, Batting Cages, Golf Courses, Miniature Golf, Local and Public Pools and Aquatic Centers, Tennis Facilities, Skills Training for All Sports, and General Non-Contact Sports including Bowling Alleys, with Exceptions
- Section 4: Facial Covering Requirements
- Section 5: Social Distancing Requirements
- Section 7: General COVID-19 Information and Checklist for Businesses/Employers
On June 7, 2020, Ohio Department of Health issued Director's Order Updating and Revising Requirements and Guidance for Youth Day Camps and Residential Camps, with Exceptions
Guidance for Campgrounds, Recreational Camps, Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park Information
Businesses and operations shall continue to comply with all aspects of the order, including, at a minimum, mandatory and recommended best practices :
- Responsible ReStartOhio Camping and Campgrounds (Spanish) (NEWLY REVISED 07/28/2020)
- social distancing requirements; facial coverings (masks); general COVID-19 information and checklist for businesses/employers concerning health and key messaging; and
- sector specific COVID-19 information and checklist for businesses and employers for campground operators, employees and vendors, and campers.
- Responsible ReStartOhio Residential (Resident) Camp Guidance (REVISED 07/28/2020)
- Responsible ReStartOhio Day Camp Guidance (REVISED 07/28/2020)
Guidance for Pools, Spas, and Special Use Pools
- Responsible ReStartOhio Local Pools, Public Pools and Aquatic Centers (NEWLY REVISED 07/28/2020)
According to CDC's information concerning Water and COVID-19 FAQs, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.
While there is ongoing community spread of COVID-19 of the virus that causes COVID-19, it is important for individuals as well as owners and operators of these facilities to take steps to ensure health and safety:
- Everyone should follow local and state guidance that may determine when and how recreational water facilities may operate.
- Individuals should continue to protect themselves and others at recreational water venues both in and out of the water – for example, by practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene.
- In addition to ensuring water safety and quality, owners and operators of community pools, hot tubs, spas, and water play areas should follow the interim guidance for businesses and employers for cleaning and disinfecting their community facilities.
Interim Public Pool, Spa and Special Use Pool Information
Additional Pool Resources
During these uncertain times of COVID-19 responses and discussions whether opening public swimming venues will open, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (formerly the National Swimming Pool Foundation) provide information about COVID-19 and aquatic venues:
- Prevent Legionella during Extended Hot Tub/ Spa Closure
- Health and Safety Benefits of Properly Maintaining Your Pool and Hot Tub During COVID-19 (NADPP)
- If Pools and Hot Tubs Aren't Essential Pathogens Grow (Pool & Hot Tub Alliance formerly National Swimming Pool Foundation)
- Maintaining Public Aquatic Facilities (NADP)