Photographed by Fernando Gomez for Vogue Arabia
Following the onset of Covid-19 in March, pools in hotels across the nation’s capital closed their doors to visitors on a temporary basis. Albeit lasting more three months, the closure of pool facilities across hotels in Abu Dhabi is now in the process of being lifted, according to a statement by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT).
Taking to Twitter on July 18, the government body announced that a “circular detailing precautionary measures that must be taken to reopen swimming pools” in the capital had been issued. Among the measures, were restrictions regarding venue capacity and guidelines for employee-testing. Noting primarily that employees must be virus-free at all times, and attendance must be capped at 50%, reopening procedures are already underway and will soon result in pool reopenings across the city.
DCT- Abu Dhabi issued a circular detailing precautionary measures that must be taken to reopen swimming pools in hotels #InAbuDhabi, including ensuring that employees are virus-free through testing, and ensuring that swimming pools don’t exceed a maximum capacity of 50%. pic.twitter.com/TUS1ATEiDq
— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) July 17, 2020
In addition to temperature checks being administered to all guests and contractors upon entering the facility, staff will also be tested on a bi-weekly basis. Social distancing and sanitization requirements continue to reign supreme, with the notice stating “guests should maintain 2m distance from others at all times inside and outside the pool [while] members of a single group (up to 4 members) can be seated together.” Instructions relating to changing rooms and lockers are also addressed, with hoteliers being required to disinfect and clean facilities after every use. While on the premises, guests will be provided with hand sanitizer and required to wear face masks at all times; the latter of which can be disregarded for activities that require body and face submersion.
Other logistical requirements include guests bringing their own towels, sun-beds, and loungers being placed 2m apart and towels being used as a barrier between skin and pool furniture. Water slides and other recreational facilities will remain closed, and children will need to be supervised at all times. While the reopening process is underway, it is yet to be ascertained when facilities will be open for use by the public.
Read Next: Top 6 Staycations to Treat Yourself to in Abu Dhabi
