St. Peter Public Pool Closed After Staff Member Gets COVID-19

Yesterday, Sunday, August 9th, the City of Saint Peter announced that their public pool would be closed for the remainder of the season after a staff member contracted COVID-19.

According to a social media post by the City of Saint Peter on Sunday, the pool would be closed after a staff member "tested positive for COVID-19." However, the City of St Peter also stated in the post that "because of the safety measures in place there is a very low risk of exposure to any recent pools users."

The Minnesota Department of Health announced earlier this summer that "public swimming pools may be open at 50% capacity, up to a total bather load of 250." Operators of the public swimming pools were also asked to maintain proper social distancing if opening up this summer as well.

Under the state requirements, some municipalities decided against opening up, as limiting occupancy would reduce the amount of revenue the pool could produce if any.

The City of Faribault didn't open it's aquatic center this summer over concerns around COVID-19. Other cities took a wait and see approach with both Northfield and Owatonna opening up their pools later than normal this summer.

As a result of COVID-19, above ground pool sales exploded this summer, resulting in some chemical and filter backorders at local pool/spa retailers.