Corona Virus update for Swimming Pools

Question: Is the COVID-19 Corona Virus found in faeces?

Answer: The virus that causes COVID-19 has been detected in the faeces of some patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The amount of virus released from the body (shed) in a stool. How long the virus sheds. And, whether or not the virus in a stool is infectious is not yet known.

The risk of transmission of the virus that causes COVID-19 from the faeces of an infected person is also unknown. 

However, the risk is expected to be low based on data received from previous outbreaks of related coronaviruses. Such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

There has been no confirmed faecal-oral transmission of COVID-19 to date. The faecal-Oral transmission is the most common vehicle for the contraction of most common diseases involving swimming pools and Hot tubs or other aquatic facilities.

There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 Corona Virus is spread to humans through the use of pools, hot tubs or spas, or water playgrounds. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfecting (e.g. with chlorine and bromine) of pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds should deactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. However, this assumes that your maintenance team are knowledgeable of the standards required to disable any potential issues entirely. And, how to react if any different treatments are necessary.

While there is an ongoing community spread of COVID-19, there should be appropriate care taken both in and outside the pool. It is vital to protect yourself and others. Owners and operators of community pools, hot tubs, or spas should follow the interim guidance for businesses and employers to plan and respond to COVID-19 Corona Virus.