Aquatic centres to reopen July 1
Published on: Saturday, June 27, 2020
By: GL Oh
Kota Kinabalu: All aquatic centres in the State except in the red zone are set to operate from July 1 subject to standard operating procedures (SOP) following the State Cabinet’s approval as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal on Thursday.The activities allowed to take place in the pool include diving, swimming and swimming lessons.
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Youth and Sports Minister Phoong Jin Zhe (pic) said on Friday that like other sport activities that were previously allowed to resume, all the operators and users must comply strictly with the time limit of use as set.
“Like the reopening of several sports facilities previously, SOP must be complied with by all premises owners, managers/operators and users, in particular in compliance with the applicable time limit of use.
“As for pools under the management of Sabah Sports Board, the operating time is from 6am to 7.30pm,” he said.
All pool visitors must register in particular with the MySejahtera/SabahTrace app and the operators must also provide hand-washing fluids, a touch-free temperature scanner and attendance book at all entrances.
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“Those found to have a temperature of 37.5 °C and above are not allowed to enter the pool area. Users also need to clean with body wash before entering the pool.
“For those with dangerous contagious diseases and skin diseases, they are not allowed in, while parents or guardians are also not allowed in the pool area.
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“It is important that all the diving activities are only allowed in the dedicated pool, and it is also necessary to draw up a schedule.”
According to him, provision of disinfection equipment for each session before, during and after use is a must while sharing of water bottles, towels, goggles, kicking pads, swimming hats, nose clippers, flooring boards and all other equipment are also not allowed.
He urged the operators to ensure that the number of bathroom usage is limited and must be regularly cleaned.
“The parameters and standard values for water quality are subject to the latest Water Quality Monitoring Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and chlorine test in the pool is to be conducted once every two hours.”
He also said the number of users at the same time depends on the size of the premises to avoid congestion. All visitors are required to wear ‘face masks’ at all time except during training activities.
A social distancing of 1-3 metres for static activity and 3-5 metres for dynamic activity must be followed and the method of delivery in instruction must not involve physical contact between the coach and the students.
High-risk groups such as seniors over 60, and people with disabilities are not encouraged to use the pool for the time being as well as those children under 12.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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