Should you visit SA’s beaches now?

Posted on 20 March 2020

With the outbreak of the coronavirus in South Africa public gatherings of more than 100 people are not allowed. How does this affect people who would like to practice their social distancing outdoors?

Although Durban and Cape Town have not shut their beaches yet, people are not encouraged to head to the coast as public facilities have been closed. In an interview with ENCA, eThekwini (Durban) Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda confirmed that this includes lifeguards.

On Tuesday a Tweet from Clifton 4th Beach showed people enjoying the sunshine although it did not appear to be nearly as busy as in the peak summer months.

In the US where it is Spring Break, Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis chose not to close the beaches in his state saying that people should not gather in groups larger than 10 and that the police would be enforcing this. However, each state could make its own decision on this and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez shut down all beaches within his jurisdiction in Miami-Dade County at 9am on Thursday 19 March.

In Australia beaches remain open.

The US’s Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that the Covid-19 virus can’t spread in swimming pools due to chlorination. However, not enough tests have been done yet to confirm whether it can survive in saltwater.

According to an article based on the Coronavirus Research Update webinar hosted by the Water Research Foundation, ‘There was no information shared on the ability of the COVID-19 virus to remain viable in saltwater, so it’s unclear if swimming at saltwater beaches elevates the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, like many harmful viruses and pathogens, the main exposure risk to the water recreation community is from sewage pollution.’ It stated that “the risk of capturing COVID-19 from feces seems low,” but additional research is needed to confirm this and advised that you look out for information on your local beach water quality if you intend to enter the water.

If you don’t plan to swim, then going to the beach doesn’t pose a risk to your health, however using public restrooms could. It’s not advisable to go to city beaches which tend to be busy, however taking a stroll with your partner on a quiet beach and making sure that you keep your distance from others will not put you at risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Image: Unsplash






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