Sauna to Meal Gathering... 17 People Infected in Group (Update)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] A cluster infection of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred at a sauna in Seoul. Health authorities urged people to refrain from conversations, as infections are likely to occur in saunas.

According to the Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) on the 29th, the number of confirmed cases related to 'Lucky Sauna' located in Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, has reached a total of 17, with 16 additional contacts confirmed after the first case was identified on the 26th.

Health authorities estimate that infections occurred among visitors, employees, and acquaintances during a meal gathering at a nearby restaurant after using the sauna, and subsequently spread further to family members. Among the 17 confirmed cases, 6 were sauna visitors, 1 was a sauna employee, and 3 were family members of visitors. Regarding the restaurant, 3 visitors and 4 family members were infected.

Health authorities explained that saunas are indoor environments where aerosols are easily generated, increasing the risk of infection. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially acknowledged that COVID-19 can be transmitted not only through droplets but also via aerosols. Aerosols are fine particles suspended in the air that, unlike droplets, can cause infection even when more than 1 to 2 meters away from an infected person.

Lee Sang-won, Crisis Response Analyst at the CDCH, said, "After using the sauna, please avoid long conversations and quickly move to another place. Currently, there are no plans to impose regulations on saunas, but we ask that indoor quarantine measures be strictly followed."

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