Researchers from the Higher Council for scientific research (CSIC) studied the possibility of the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2 in pools and other bathing areas.
the scientific Council is sufficiently representative: the study involved experts from the Centre for Soil science and Applied Biology, Institute of Materials Science, Institute of Marine Research, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology, Institute of Environmental Diagnosis and Water analysis.
In their report they stated that infection of coronavirus infection in the pools or in the sea is unlikely.
This conclusion is based on the fact that the main route of transmission – airborne, as the virus is in the secretions when coughing or sneezing. And when bathing people who are not so close to each other. The pools and spas are widely used disinfectants against microbial contamination of water – and that measures should be sufficient to inactivate the virus, scientists say. And pairs, generated in Spa or water treatment facility will have the same disinfecting characteristics of the bathing water.
in addition, in the saunas and steam rooms is maintained high, above 60 degrees, the air temperature, which is also detrimental to the virus.
as for sea water, although at present no data on the persistence of atypical pneumonia in this environment, however, the salt and the volume of the source, which gives a dilution effect is likely to contribute to the reduction of viral load and its inactivation. Accordingly, in freshwater reservoirs, lakes and rivers, the survival of the virus is higher than in sea water.
So directly at the water the possibility of “catching” the virus is negligible. But the danger may lie in wait on land – on the beach or the waterfront. Experimental data about the spread of the virus in the sand yet, but researchers believe that the cumulative effects of salt sea water, solar ultraviolet radiation and high temperature, which heats the sand, can inactivate the virus, if not directly in contact with the sick person.
the hazards on the beach may be the fact that people here do not respect social distance. Indoor pools the virus may be on the watch not in the chlorinated water, and showers and locker rooms, I think, in turn, the specialists of Rospotrebnadzor. The more humid the environment the best conditions for its reproduction. During inhalation of fumes of chlorine is drying of the throat and sinuses . In this state of nasopharynx increases the risk of penetration of the virus into the body. So after leaving the pool increases the chance of getting sick.
