'Heatwave Following the Monsoon' Indoor Life Without Ventilation Increases... Could It Be the Culprit of Mass Infection?

COVID-19 Complacency Persists... Risks of Indoor Activities to Escape the Heat

On the 18th, as the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection related to Sarang Jeil Church increases, citizens are waiting to undergo COVID-19 testing at a temporary screening clinic set up at the Seongbuk-gu Public Health Center in Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] As fears of a resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) sweep over, the prolonged rainy season followed by a heatwave has increased indoor living, which is pointed out as a cause of cluster infections.

On the 19th, Choi Jae-wook, Chair of the Scientific Verification Committee of the Korean Medical Association, said, "With the recent long rainy season followed by consecutive heatwaves, it has become difficult to ventilate properly," adding, "People inevitably gather indoors, and situations where air conditioners cannot be used have arisen, which seems to have increased the probability of infection."

Experts point to ventilation issues as the cause of recent cluster infections. Following the rainy season that lasted until mid-August and the issuance of heatwave warnings nationwide, indoor activities increased while ventilation was neglected, raising the risk of infection. Religious facilities where cluster infections occurred, such as Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (438 cases), Antioch Church in Nowon-gu (15 cases), and Yoido Full Gospel Church (10 cases), share the commonality of hundreds to thousands of people engaging in indoor activities in confined spaces.

As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) related to Sarang Jeil Church in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, led by Pastor Jeon Kwang-hoon, exceeded 300, the alley leading to Sarang Jeil Church was blocked on the 18th. / Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted nationwide daytime high temperatures of 31 to 38 degrees Celsius. Due to high humidity, the perceived temperature is expected to rise to around 35 degrees Celsius, and tropical nights are expected in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas at night. The Meteorological Administration expects the heatwave to continue for some time.

Concerns increase as the continued heat means air conditioner use could raise infection risks. Professor Cheon Eun-mi of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital said, "Although the COVID-19 virus is known to be relatively vulnerable to hot and humid environments, using air conditioners blocks air circulation and lowers indoor temperature and humidity, which actually increases the virus's survival rate," adding, "It is necessary to ventilate sufficiently at least every two hours." Experts also judge that in Sarang Jeil Church and a coffee shop in Paju, where cluster infections occurred, the use of air conditioners led to more widespread droplet transmission.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.