COVID-19 cluster: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center closed through mid-August

The Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center is closed through Aug. 17, after a fifth county employee there tested positive for COVID-19, officials said Thursday morning.

The announcement comes less than a week after County Manager Dena Diorio disclosed two lifeguards and two supervisors had been diagnosed with the coronavirus, the Observer previously reported. Employees rotate shifts between the Aquatic Center and Double Oaks Pool, Diorio had told elected officials.

The Aquatic Center will now be “deep cleaned and disinfected” during the closure, officials said. But the the Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center is still open, officials said, since there have been “no identified cases” associated with the facility.

No patrons were likely exposed to the virus at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, according to Thursday’s news release. Still, health officials caution it may take two to 14 days to develop symptoms, such as shortness of breath or a fever.

There have been nearly 20,000 confirmed cases among county residents since March, according to state data.

The Aquatic Center re-opened on June 15, with modified hours and capacity in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Swim lanes can only accommodate one person, and swimmers are limited to one-hour sessions, according to the county’s website.

The Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center re-opened on June 20, although Cordelia Pool is closed for the summer, according to the county’s website.

Swimmers are limited to 90-minute sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. Staff “safely clean and disinfect” the facility between designated swim blocks, and guests must bring their own chairs, the website stated.

This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 11:10 AM.