Nebraska and New Hampshire will join the growing list of states reopening pools and aquatic facilities under varying restrictions, beginning June 1.
Nebraska
According to 3NewsNow, Nebraska will allow swimming pools to reopen on June 1 everywhere except the state’s four hardest-hit counties.
Governor Pete Ricketts announced in May that the state would move to Phase II of its reopening plan in all counties except Dakota, Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick. Gyms will be allowed to reopen, but occupancy will be limited to either 25 people (not including staff) or 50% capacity, whichever is larger.
The four named counties remain in Phase I, with a 10-person limit on group gatherings, including gyms. Dakota County is on the east side of the state, along the Iowa border, but far north of Omaha, which is still slated to host the U.S. Olympic Trials for swimming next summer. Hall, Hamilton, and Merrick are more in the center of the state, several counties west of state capital Lincoln.
New Hampshire
Meanwhile New Hampshire unveiled its Stay at Home 2.0 plan in early May. Under that plan, pools are allowed to reopen, but only on a reservation basis. Per the plan:
- Public or “open swim” times will not be allowed
- Swim lanes may be scheduled utilizing a reservation system prior to arrival
The guidelines still include six feet of distance between swimmers, and saunas and steam rooms remain closed.
You can follow all state guidelines in our state-by-state pool reopening index here.
I’m trying to get into an NH pool, hopefully we’ll get more info soon
FYI – Vermont pools can open now. Not that any are open yet.