Forward Dane
Today we received an update from Public Health - Madison & Dane County. Public Health (PHMDC) is releasing Forward Dane, a plan for the phased reopening of Dane County. Forward Dane includes the use of metrics to guide the gradual reopening of Dane County and lays out what requirements will be in place during each reopening phase.
The first step is a preparation phase, in which they are calling the Safe Reopen phase. The Safe Reopen phase will be followed by three additional reopening phases, each with gradually less restrictive criteria. It also includes action steps by sector to make sure businesses and organizations are ready for reopening as soon as it’s safe to move to the next phase.
A New Order
This order will become effective at 8:00 a.m. on May 19, 2020. This Order will remain in effect until Public Health (PHMDC) determines that the criteria to implement Phase One has been achieved.
To summarize the key points specific to licensed public and private swimming pools, please see the following:
Reference Order Section 4. c.
Closures. In order to further limit public gatherings, all of the following facilities shall be closed:
Places of public amusement and activity. Whether indoors or outdoors, places of public amusement and activity are closed, including but not limited to amusement parks, carnivals, water parks, licensed public or private swimming pools, splash pads, aquariums, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, parades, children’s play centers, playgrounds, funplexes, theme parks, skate parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, country clubs, social clubs, and gyms and fitness centers. Places of public amusement and activity may do the minimum necessary to prepare to open for customers, including procuring and stocking supplies, cleaning, and whatever else the business needs to do to prepare for the return of customers.
Next Steps
We are continuing to monitor this situation very closely and we are hoping that as a community we can continue to move through these phases. However, just to be clear, the previous Order that was set to conclude on May 26th, is no longer effective. This new Order is what we must follow and unfortunately, there is no set end date. What we do know is that Public Health (PHMDC) will be evaluating progress every 14 days.
Below is an image of the phased approach requirements for licensed swimming pools. In 14 days we could potentially move into Phase One, but opening in any of the next three phases means limiting the number of people who can be at the pool at all times - Along with quite a few other requirements (as outlined above) and restrictions.
Additional information and guidance has been provided to assist businesses with opening preparation. We are actively doing what we can to prepare at this time. However, if restrictions regarding public and private swimming pools are not lifted in time for us to open by July 4th, Kilkenny Pool will not be opening for the 2020 season.