[Rumor x Truth] Is It Safe to Go to the Swimming Pool During COVID-19?

The photo is unrelated to the content. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Shinwon Yoon] As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads, questions about using multi-use facilities are increasing. In particular, there are many questions about whether there is a risk of infection when using water facilities such as swimming pools or saunas.

According to experts, the risk of infection in swimming pools is considered low. Professor Woojoo Kim, an infectious disease specialist at Korea University Guro Hospital, appeared on the medical channel 'Biondwi' and said, "It is okay to use swimming pools, saunas, gyms, etc." He added, "Swimming pool water is usually disinfected with a high level of chlorine, which immediately kills the virus. The same applies to gyms, as sweat does not transmit the virus, so the possibility of infection is low."

The same applies to saunas. The coronavirus cannot withstand high temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, so even if the humidity is high, the possibility of the virus surviving is very low. However, if you have direct contact with an infected person inside the sauna, the possibility of infection cannot be ruled out.

Experts warned, however, that "being able to get infected and whether you should go are different issues."

In fact, while the water in well-disinfected swimming pools may be safe, caution is needed when using facilities such as changing rooms or lockers, as secretions from COVID-19 patients may be splattered there.

If an infected person coughs or sneezes, saliva can reach people 1 to 2 meters away, and according to Chinese authorities, the coronavirus can remain infectious for up to 5 days if temperature and humidity conditions are suitable.