The city of Santa Maria is reopening the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center with enhanced safety protocols to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
City officials say this comes after a number of COVID-19 cases among pool staff. They confirm two lifeguards tested positive for the virus, while a few others were exposed on their own during encounters over the holidays. The city says all the lifeguards affected have recovered. The spread prompted a three-week closure which was lifted on Monday.
The city says the pool staff underwent a training over the weekend before reopening.
The pool is only open for lap swimming. Swimmers will need to reserve a time to swim online and sign a COVID-19 waiver.