DHARA COVID-19 Update – May 18, 2020

Dear DHARA Members,

The Board has continued to meet to discuss DHARA’s response to the COVID-19 crisis. Below is an update on where things currently stand.

We continue to closely monitor news and guidance from the state and county with an eye towards opening in some capacity when it is safe and responsible to do so.

Recently, the Governor issued Executive Order 61 easing certain restrictions and introducing a plan and requirements for further easing. Arlington, along with other Northern Virginia counties expressed some concern with the timeline. As a result, the Governor issued an additional executive order that leaves existing restrictions in place for Northern Virginia at least through May 28 (Executive Order 62). If and when we are allowed to reopen, it appears (for now) there will be some level of restriction on the number of people allowed at the pool and available pool activities. Some information from the Governor on what Phase 1 might look like for the pool may be found in Executive Order 61 under “Fitness and Exercise Facilities.” Keep in mind that Arlington is not yet entering Phase 1.

Given the unique requirements of operating a community pool, DHARA has joined a large number of other Northern Virginia pools in requesting more clarity with respect to operating outdoor community pools. View the letter sent to the Governor’s Office.

Finally, the full Board, a task group focused on DHARA’s response to COVID-19, and our Pool Manager have continued to both deliberate internally and coordinate with other pools to develop plans for safely and responsibly reopening consistent with state and local guidance.

The Board has created a new webpage on the DHARA website where we will post additional information, including our Phase 1 opening plans, as the situation develops. The Board is meeting again this week to further discuss these matters.

We thank you for your continued patience, and we hope to see you all (a few at a time and properly socially distanced!) at the pool this summer.

Stay well.

The DHARA Board