Forest Hollow Swim Club will open the pool for the 2021 season on Saturday, May 29th at 11:00 AM. We will continue to follow federal, state and local guidance with regard to any necessary safety and health precautions due to Covid. Great news though! The Governor’s Executive Order 79 (EO-79) takes effect at midnight the day before the pool opens. EO-79 terminates Executive Order 72, thereby removing most of the restrictions we operated under last season.
EO-79 primarily discusses the use of masks indoors and outdoors and states “All individuals in the Commonwealth aged five and older should cover their mouth and nose with a mask in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Protection guidance linked here. If there is a conflict between the sector-specific guidelines and this section, the sector-specific guidelines governs.” The link in that sentence from EO-79 references the CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People which states that “fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
The guidance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is that the word “should” in EO-79 means “strongly recommended.”
Here are some specifics for Forest Hollow so you can know what to expect when we open the pool. This is what we know now, and is subject to change should additional/further guidance be issued
Club Rules: Please read through our Forest Hollow Pool Rules. These rules remain in effect for the 2021 season.
Masks: If you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask when visiting the Club. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you should wear a mask when visiting the pool, per CDC’s guidance.
Mask Enforcement: The lifeguards will NOT ask if you have been vaccinated, nor will they enforce mask wearing. The only hard and fast rule regarding masks: masks SHALL NOT be worn when in the water as they can interfere with breathing when wet.
Check-in: Members must check in with the lifeguards when entering the Clubhouse. Only paid members listed on the account in MemberSplash will be allowed to enter. Lifeguards will do a 100% check throughout the season. Children 12 years old and above do not require an adult with them for entry.
COVID-19 Screening: Lifeguards will no longer screen members for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival. If you or your children are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to the pool!
Guests: Members may bring guests to the pool. Guest passes must be purchased in advance through MemberSplash.
Plexiglas and Hand Sanitizer: We will keep the Plexiglas in place at the check-in desk and we will continue to have hand sanitizer available for members and guests.
Physical Distancing: There are no physical distancing requirements in EO-79. If you wish to physically distance from others, you may do so.
Capacity Limitations: There are no capacity limitations on pools in EO-79. The pool may operate at 100% capacity.
Furniture: All of the Club’s furniture is on deck and available for use. You are welcome to bring your own chairs if you wish as well.
Pool Reservations: Because we can operate at full capacity, we will not require reservations to use the pool. You may come to the pool at any time and you may stay as long as you wish.
Lap Swim. Two lanes will be available. These lanes should be used for lap swim only.
Wading Pool. The wading (baby) pool enclosure will be open. Please enjoy the new furniture in the baby pool area!
Restrooms and showers: Restrooms and showers will be open for use.
Food and Grills: You are welcome to bring your own food. Please, as always, clean up after yourselves. Grills are back up and running. You bring the meat/veggies and cooking supplies, grill and gas are provided.