Full COVID-19 Testing for Bathhouse Workers: "Do Not Visit Bathhouses if Experiencing Cold or Flu Symptoms" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The government has decided to implement a 'Special Quarantine Measure for Bathhouse Businesses' starting from the 22nd, as infections have been continuously occurring in bathhouse businesses in regions such as Gyeongnam. First, a full-scale PCR test will be conducted for all bathhouse workers nationwide.

Son Young-rae, head of the Social Strategy Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 21st, "Starting tomorrow, COVID-19 testing will be conducted for all workers at bathhouses nationwide, including bath attendants, barbers, and concession operators," adding, "This is to detect and prevent potential cluster infections at an early stage."

Suspension of New Issuance of 'Dal Bath' Passes... "Do Not Use Bathhouses if Experiencing Cold or Flu Symptoms"

Son said, "To prevent overcrowding in bathhouse businesses, entry will be limited to one person per 8 square meters of reported area," and added, "Facility managers of bathhouses must post the allowed number of entrants at the facility entrance, and the issuance of new 'Dal Bath' monthly passes will also be suspended."

He emphasized, "Electronic entry logs, QR check-ins, and temperature checks will be mandatory for users," and urged, "If users have fever, chills, or cold and flu symptoms, please refrain from using bathhouses and be sure to get tested."

He especially recommended that bathhouse use be limited to within one hour. Son stressed, "The longer you stay in the bathhouse, the higher the risk of infection," and added, "Masks should be worn in changing rooms and common areas, and eating or removing masks to talk should be avoided."

Son explained, "Many people in our society need to use bathhouses due to poor housing conditions, such as lack of hot water," and said, "Since many people maintain their livelihoods in bathhouses, such as concession operators, barbers, and bath attendants, rather than imposing a blanket restriction on bathhouse operations, we are working to establish quarantine rules tailored to their characteristics."

Jinju and Geoje Cities to Conduct Biweekly Testing... Decisions Based on Local Situations

The government will conduct regular biweekly testing in areas with many confirmed cases until the infection ends. Currently, Jinju and Geoje cities are targeted, with the possibility of expansion depending on the quarantine situation.

Son said, "The regions where biweekly regular testing of workers is conducted will be decided by the local authorities considering the local situation, rather than by the central government."

Regarding Gyeongnam Province's recommendation to wear waterproof masks or face shields inside bathhouses, Son stated, "Waterproof masks or face shields inside bathhouses are controversial from a quarantine perspective," explaining, "They do not fit completely like masks to fully block droplets, and droplets can escape from all sides, so their blocking effect is inferior to masks."

He added, "There is also controversy among experts about whether waterproof masks or face shields inside bathhouses are truly helpful due to psychological vulnerabilities that may encourage more conversation," and explained, "Recognizing the limitation that they cannot completely block droplet emission, minimizing conversation is the most desirable method."

Son also commented on the one-hour usage limit for bathhouses, saying, "It may be somewhat difficult to strictly enforce this rule for beauty service customers or jjimjilbang users, so it will be applied flexibly," and added, "We plan to encourage voluntary cultural adaptation of usage as much as possible."

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