Morris Twp. Awaits NJ's Word On Pools Before Opening Registration

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — It's the time of year when Morris Township would normally finalize membership fees and early-bird registration for its swimming pool. But township officials delayed the process because of uncertainty associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

The township will await more information from the state on allowable swimming pool capacities and additional regulations. The township expects state officials to release guidance by late March, which would allow the township to open member registration in April.

Morris Township will send updates through Community Pass.

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Gov. Phil Murphy allowed municipal and private-club pools to reopen last June with the following regulations:

• Capacity is reduced to 50 percent
• Staff and patrons must safely distance
• Signs and makings should denote 6 feet of space between people
• Face coverings are recommended, but not in the pool
• Pools should stagger access points for entry and exits
• Reservations are requested
• Guests should sign-in to help with contact tracing
• Occupancy in restrooms should be limited
• Foot coverings much be worn in restrooms and shower areas
• Staff should be screened for fever and COVID-19 symptoms
• Gloves should be worn by staff
• Disinfection should happen frequently
• Pool toys shouldn't be permitted

It's not yet clear how many activities will look this summer. Much will depend on New Jersey's progress in getting residents vaccinated.

The New Jersey Department of Health has tallied 2,227,881 vaccine doses administered as of Wednesday morning. That includes 750,790 people who have received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

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