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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Third aquatics staff positive, pools largely closed

By Greg Ellison

(Sept. 17, 2020) Another Ocean Pines Aquatics staff member tested positive for coronavirus last week, while the bulk of pool facilities have now been shuttered for the season.

Last Thursday, General Manager John Viola issued a statement regarding an aquatics department staff member who tested positive for covid-19. It was the third member from that department among the handful of association employees infected during the pandemic.

“The employee has not returned to work and will not until it is safe to do so consistent with CDC protocols,” Viola said. “We understand that the employee had no close contact with residents or other employees.”

Prior to the latest case, an aquatics staff member tested positive on both Sept. 3 and Aug. 21. The trio of infections among aquatics staff was preceded by a Public Works Department employee on May 5 and a golf maintenance member on April 21.

“We continue to stress the need to practice sound hygiene by frequently washing hands thoroughly, maintaining 6 feet of separation between others, and wearing masks when indoors or [if] social distancing is not possible,” Viola said.

With the summer over, pool facilities at the Beach Club, Mumford’s Landing and the Sports and Racquet Club have closed until next Memorial Day Weekend.

Lingering for a bit is the Yacht Club Pool, which will be open this Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Yacht Club Pool is tentatively set to operate next Saturday and Sunday based on staff availability.

The Sports Core Pool is open year-round for recreational swimming and exercise classes.

House of operation for residents and the general public are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

During the week the Sports Core Pool opens earlier for members, beginning at 6 a.m. for “Early Bird Lap Swim” with aquatics classes commencing at 8 a.m.

Recreational swimmers are asked to call the Sports Core at 410-641-5255 to confirm availability.

Health safety requirements dictate that pool users must wear face masks at all times when not in the water.