CLARK COUNTY REC. WATER NEWS August 2020 Special Issue

A message from Clark County Public Health concerning recreational water facilities Recreational water partners in Washington: Greetings. This message is provided to give you an update on how recreational water facilities are being impact by COVID-19 .

On July 28, Governor Inslee announced an indefinite pause on counties moving ahead in the Safe Start Washington plan. You can read the full memo here. Clark County will remain in Phase 2 until the pause is ended and key metrics in the county are met to apply for Phase 3.

The memo outlines updates to allowed gathering size which DOES NOT affect water recreation facilities. At this time, current guidance for water recreation facilities remains the same as outlined in the previous newsletter linked here. Applicable guidance for general use (public & municipal pools) and limited use (HOA, apartment, condominium, and hotel pools) facilities is linked below. Modified Phase 1 Miniature Gold, Putt Putt Golf, and Staffed Water Recreation Facilities COIVD-19 Reopening Requirements *This guidance only applies to general use facilities and allows appointment only lap swimming and swim, fitness, or dive classes of less than 5 people prior to Phase 3.  COVID-19 Prevention Guidance and Reopening of Water Recreation Facilities in Phases Water Recreation Facility Occupancy in Phase 3 & 4 (Supplemental Guidance)

Obtaining an Inactive Pool Permit To provide an affordable option for facilities that decide or cannot reopen during 2020, we are offering an Inactive Pool Permit. This is an annual permit being offered to support the monitoring of a pools and spas that choose to close or cannot open for the remainder of 2020. The fee for this permit is $205.00 that would ensure Clark County Public Health staff conduct a site visit during 2020 to ensure that the pool is properly secured and not causing a hazard or nuisance. More information can be found here in our previous newsletter. If you considering not opening for the 2020 swim season, please contact Brian Schlottmann by emailing brian.schlottmann@clark.wa.gov. Once we are in Phase 3, we are asking facilities apply for an inactive pool permit no later than one week after the start date of Phase 3 for Clark County.

Not sure you are ready to reopen? Schedule an Educational Inspection! We understand that not being able to open your water recreation facility or decreasing staff due to COVID-19 creates strain on your facility. These kind of significant changes or disruption in operation can lead to gaps in knowledge among staff, lack of routine maintenance, and violations if not addressed prior to reopening. To ensure that facilities are ready to reopen in 2020 or 2021, we are offering the ability for facilities to schedule an educational inspection which would count towards one of their routine inspections for 2020 or 2021. Educational inspections do not result in violations and the score is not posted on our website. The goal is to identify issues and provide education to ensure that the facility operates safely once reopened. Facilities that obtain an inactive pool permit can also schedule an education inspection that will count as their one inspection for the year. Facilities that are planning on reopening during Washington’s Safe Start plan also face the additional challenge of implementing current guidance to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the facility. We are not approving reopening plans however; we are willing to discuss best practices and applicable guidance to ensure reopening plans best prevent the transmission of COVID-19, follow WAC 246-260 code requirements, and meet the capability of the facility. If you are interested in scheduling an educational inspection, email your current water recreation facility inspector Alyssa Payne at Alyssa.payne@clark.wa.gov or call (564) 397-7323.

Updated Indoor Fitness Center Guidance Governor Inslee announced updates for Phase 2 and Phase 3 fitness guidance as part of Washington’s Safe Start phase reopening plan. The guidance is effective August 10, 2020. Updates include: -         Clarification on when facial coverings are required in indoor fitness facilities. -         Changes to calculation of occupancy limits for large facilities. -         Allowance for fitness and sports training other than group fitness classes. Read the full fitness guidance document here.  Find a full list of current reopening guidance here.  Our office does not regulate indoor fitness centers outside of water recreation facilities and required amenities such as showers and restrooms. We understand that many facilities that have a pool and/or spa also have indoor fitness centers which is why this guidance is being shared. If you have questions regarding this guidance, you can complete an Inquiry From on the coronavirus.wa.gov website.

MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES If you have more questions about COVID-19, please call the Washington State Department of Health Assistance hotline at 1-800-525-0127 OR submit inquiries by filling out the Inquiry Form online.   You can sign-up for Office of the Governor, Department of Health, and Department of Commerce updates by subscribing to email or text alerts at the Washington State Coronavirus Response (COIVD-19) website. You can also text the word “Coronavirus” to 211-211 to receive information and updates on your phone wherever you are. You will receive links to the latest information on COVID-19, including county-level updates and resources for families, businesses, students and more.  The following resources will help you stay up-to-date on the current COVID-19 situation:  ·      Clark County Public Health Novel Coronavirus ·      WA State Department of Health 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (COVID-19) ·      WA State Coronavirus Response (COVID-19) ·      Frequently Asked Questions ·      CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) ·      Governor Inslee’s proclamations For questions about your own health, COVID-19 testing, or testing results, please contact your health care provider.

Click above for the most current information from Clark County Public Health.

To report an illness or public notification regarding Rec. Water Safety , click here. For more information about the services we provide, please click the button below to reach our Rec. Water homepage. CCPH Rec. Water Safety Website ‌ ‌

Clark County Public Health 1601 E Fourth Plain, Building 17 Vancouver, WA 98661