20 pools to reopen with new rules in France
Twenty public swimming pools will reopen with new rules at the beginning of June, as a trial for the second stage of deconfinement.
The list of selected pools, chosen by the French Sports Minister, will be revealed at the end of the week - 35 pools in both green and red departments had applied to be considered.
The new rules will include online booking, limited entries, and following one direction only while swimming.
Reservations will be necessary, whether made online or at the reception. A blue, yellow or green bracelet will be given to the swimmers according to the schedule, and the time they can go swimming, in a bid to reduce the number of people in the pool and make sure that each swimmer has two square metres available for himself or herself.
Read more: Deconfinement in France: PM to outline second phase
They will be allowed a maximum session of 90 minutes. No more than 12 people will be allowed to swim at the same time and swimmers must wash their hands before going into the pool.
Only individual changing cubicles will be available for use and one locker out of two will be closed off.
Hairdryers will not be available and only every other shower will be available for use.
Read more: Covid-19: France plans gradual sporting return
Jacuzzi and paddling pools will also be closed.
The new rules will be in place for at least three weeks to be reviewed at the end of June at which time they may be extended to all public pools in France.
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