Governor Kim Reynolds office signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that modifies existing public health measures to provide clarity and simplify the measures applicable to recreational activities and fitness centers on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Governor Reynolds signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that imposes a number of additional public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These new measures will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17 and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on December 10, 2020. To view a summary of enhanced mitigation measures, click here. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated guidance specific to parks and recreation that includes information about restrooms, sports courts, pools and more. It also offers recommendations for park visitors and suggests that park and recreation administrators post signage about using facilities safely at this time. The CDC's guidance is in alignment with the information NRPA has been sharing and provides some additional recommendations. 

The Swimming Pool and Spa program had been working on a reopening guidance document specific for swimming pools and spas. Rather than providing separate reopening guidance documents for many different industries however, in order to provide consistent guidance across a variety of industries, the department has developed two different more generalized guidance documents.

The CMAHC is monitoring issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and operation and maintenance of aquatic facilities. We are compiling all related guidance and resources that have been issued, vetted, or approved by the CDC.

The CMAHC is monitoring issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and operation and maintenance of aquatic facilities. We are compiling all related guidance and resources that have been issued, vetted, or approved by the CDC.

Reopening any business or establishment in these times is not without some risk to staff and membership/guests.  Permission to open also does not necessarily mean that a given facility must or even should open.  Each facility must decide whether opening under the specific constraints of a given order with continued guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is technically, logistically and financially feasible.  While properly treated pool water is not considered a vehicle for transmission of the COVID-19 virus, the risk of transmission remains present at any place of work, and any recreation facility.  Therefore social distancing must be maintained at all times between staff, between guests and between staff and guests.  Hand washing and sanitation and regular cleaning and disinfection of objects and surfaces are equally essential.  

As communities begin to see reductions in virus transmission, local park and recreation professionals are developing plans for reopening spaces, facilities and programs impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Agencies should adhere to all federal, state and local guidance, including meeting a set of outlined indicators and gating criteria prior to implementing a phased approach that prioritizes public health and safety when reopening. Park and recreation professionals should recognize that phased reopening plans will not be an immediate return to normal operations, rather, they should include additional mitigation measures to maintain states of low to no community transmission.

The emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has raised questions among aquatic facilities, lifeguards and instructors about the operation of aquatic facilities, education of lifeguards and lifeguarding rescues and resuscitation, and delivery of American Red Cross courses.  This document provides guidance to Red Cross instructors, aquatic facility operators, and students.  In addition, lifeguarding students may have questions about alterations to rescues and resuscitation during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  

Summer programs provide an essential support for working families. Many schools, communities,and childcare facilities are working to determine if and when they open to provide summer programming to school-aged children. The updated childcare guidance has been developed in consultation with the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education.

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