THE reopening of private and public swimming pools today has received mixed reactions from the public after over a three-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A check by Buletin Mutiara on some swimming pool complexes on the island and mainland found that the pool operators are complying with the strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) such as providing lifeguards and observers or supervisors to ensure that the number of people in the pool is controlled at all times.
The public as well as private pools at hotels, gated residences, apartments and condominiums have been allowed to be used from today (July 1) as announced recently by Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Buletin Mutiara approached some Penangites to know more about their opinions regarding the matter. Below are their views:
Nur Azwina Shah Bodin (28, customer service executive)
“Firstly, I welcome the decision by the Federal Government to allow these places to reopen.
“But for me, I will not go to the swimming pool complex near my place yet as I am still cautious about the SOP’s taken by the pool operator.
“The Covid-19 transmission, I think, can easily take place through wet medium. On top of that, it is a lot harder to clean and sanitise the wet areas compared to dry areas.
“I am also living with my parents who are already above 60 years old, so I will not jeopardise their health by going to the pool.
“So for now, I will wait at least a fortnight to access the situation. For me, prevention is better than cure.”
Brian Chen (30, engineer)
“The management of the condominium that I live in in Perai has decided not to reopen the swimming pool yet and I totally agree with their decision.
“Even when they decide to reopen the pool, I will definitely not go for a dip yet. My worry is about the water content in the pool that might be contaminated by droplets from other swimmers.
“Thus, it can potentially cause a virus transmission and create a new Covid-19 cluster from the swimming pool.
“I am not being sceptical but I’m just being cautious here.
“I think it is better to avoid such places for the time being.”
Azhar Mat Zahir (44, lawyer)
“I am very happy when I heard the announcement from the Federal Government that they are going to permit the reopening of swimming pools.
“Before the implementation of the movement control order (MCO), I regularly went to the public swimming pool at the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) Sports and Recreational Complex in Bukit Mertajam as part of my exercise routines.
“So, when it’s officially reopened today, I instantly went there to resume my swimming routine.
“I am also satisfied with the precautionary measures taken by the pool operator like limiting the number of swimmers using the pool and sanitising the facility there regularly.”
Tang Joi Peng (67, retiree)
“Based on my experience swimming in the pool at Taman Sri Rambai today, I can say that I am more confident now to come to the pool again.
“This is because I could see that the pool operator is strictly complying with the SOPs.
“But if there are too many people there, I would want to avoid the place.
“I think the public must take precaution too and not solely depend on the pool operators alone to curb the spread of the virus. It is everyone’s responsibility.”
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting