Palmer Township pool closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19

Just as a heat wave is set to hit the Lehigh Valley, Palmer Township has closed its pool after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.

The pool at 3001 Farmersville Road will be closed Saturday and Sunday, Dan McKinney, the township director of parks and recreation, said in a news release.

The employee tested positive after returning from out-of-state travel, and immediately self-quarantined, McKinney said. The person has been symptom-free for more than 72 hours.

There are no reports of someone contracting the virus from the pool.

While many municipal pools closed this summer, Palmer Township opened its community pool for residents only when the Lehigh Valley entered the green phase.

Capacity was capped at 500 people, 75% of the pool’s normal capacity.

The township is facing staffing shortages, caused by employees deciding to not work the remainder of the summer and due to the state Department of Health’s quarantine recommendation for people who travel to specific states during the pandemic, McKinney said.

Officials will evaluate staff availability on Monday.

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Sarah Cassi may be reached at [email protected].