Dix Hills pool reopens after lifeguard tests negative for COVID-19
The Dix Hills pool closed Sunday after a lifeguard had tested a "faint positive" for COVID-19. Credit: Corey Sipkin
The Dix Hills Park Pool, closed Sunday out of precaution after a lifeguard tested "faint positive" for COVID-19, was reopened Monday after a second test came back negative, Town of Huntington Parks & Recreation officials said.
A noticed posted on the official town site read: "Good news! We received word late Sunday night that the results of the second COVID-19 test came back negative."
The town had said Sunday the pool would remain shuttered until the results of the additional test were verified.
The employee tested "faint positive" Friday, officials said. A news release did not clarify the meaning of "faint positive," and a town spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday.
A town spokeswoman confirmed the latest test result, and the pool's reopening, Monday. The pool will be open through Labor Day.
The lifeguard, who last worked Wednesday, wore a mask while working and had passed daily employee temperature and contact tracing screenings, officials said.
The employee went to a doctor's office on Friday for vaccinations and then went out of state for school, where the first test was administered on Friday, officials said. The lifeguard was retested Saturday, and results were expected over the weekend.
This Dix Hills pool, seen on Sunday, was closed due to concerns over the coronavirus. Credit: Corey Sipkin
No other pool employees were showing symptoms of COVID-19, but are self-isolating until the results of the second test, officials said.
Town officials said they used the closure to do additional cleaning at the pool.
— With John Valenti
Rachelle Blidner covers Suffolk County government, politics and breaking news.
