Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Is My Health Club Putting Me At A Higher Risk Of Contracting Coronavirus?
We’re asking public health officials and experts to answer your questions about the coronavirus outbreak. Please keep in mind that what is known about the virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, is still evolving. This information does not constitute professional medical advice. For questions regarding your own health, always consult a physician.
Health officials are advising the public to limit exposure to events and locations with large groups of people amid the COVID-19 outbreak — aka exercise “social distancing.” Given that advice, you may be wondering what that means for you and your fitness routine. We certainly are.
This question came up in our own newsroom: Do health clubs put you at a higher risk of contracting the virus?
Despite being people-magnets and arguably hotbeds for germs, the answer is no. UCLA Pulmonologist Doctor Russell Buhr says taking precautions will go a long way towards mitigating contraction:
“The risk is not that you’re going to pick up a virus floating around in the air in those situations, but more so that, if sick people are going into them and leaving virus behind and then touching the surfaces and touching your face, et cetera, that’s when you’d be at risk.”
- Wipe down gym equipment before and after use
- Use hand sanitizer in between sets whenever moving on to new equipment
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after your workout
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
