The City of Ponca City made the Tannouncement Tuesday night that effective Wednesday, Wentz Pool, AMBUC Pool and the Ponca City RecPlex Pool would all be closed until Tuesday, July 14 in order to ensure the safety of citizens and employees due to a COVID-19 exposure.

On Wednesday, the Ponca City RecPlex issued a statement saying a former employee, who was a lifeguard at all three pools, tested positive for COVID-19.

“The city lifeguards rotate to all pools throughout the week and create close contact,” the press release said.

Close contact means within six feet of individuals for at least 15 minutes with other employees.

“Due to the exposure the city does not have enough staff to safely operate the pools; therefore, out of an abundance of caution the pools will be closed through July 14.”

Staff has been encouraged to contact the Kay County Health Department if they experience symptoms. Splash pads and Lake Ponca swim beach will remain open.

According to guidelines from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, if someone was a “close contact” of someone with COVID-19:

— You should quarantine (stay home, monitor for symptoms) for 14 days after last exposure. This is based on the time it takes to develop illness.

— Close contact means within 6 feet of the individual for at least 15 minutes.

— Contact your county health department if you begin to experience symptoms.

It was also announced Tuesday night that a tenant on the fourth floor of the City Central building tested positive for COVID-19.

According to an email from PCDA, the person is not an employee of PCDA nor any trade or service provider (cleaning staff, repair people, etc.).

The release said the person is in self-quarantine and will not come back to the building until they are medically cleared.