The longing for relaxation is great. The pandemic costs strength. To finally be able to switch off would be nice. But is that even possible with a clear conscience in view of the skyrocketing corona numbers? And how safe is it in the sauna or in the wellness area?
How high the risk of infection is is difficult to answer, says Cornelia Lass-Flörl, Director of the Institute for Hygiene and Medical Microbiology at the Medical University of Innsbruck: “Hard epidemiological facts and data are not available.” The heat in a sauna makes the Sars-CoV-2 virus at least more difficult to survive. Laboratory data showed that the stability of the virus particles decreases the higher the room temperature: “70 degrees Celsius inactivate the virus within five minutes,” says the microbiologist. High humidity also makes it difficult for the virus to spread: “The droplets bind more water, become heavier and therefore sink more quickly to the ground.”
Nevertheless, a person-to-person transmission of the virus is still conceivable in a sauna, says Lass-Flörl: “A vaccination is then probably the safest way to enjoy the sauna.” Masks are not very practical in the sweat rooms, and distance remains “the order of the day” in any case.
Depending on the travel destination, the conditions under which you are allowed to sweat are very different
In Germany, every federal state regulates the general conditions for sauna, swimming pool and wellness. Bavaria, for example, stipulates a minimum distance of 1.5 meters. Steam baths remain closed, sauna cabins have to be heated to at least 60 degrees, and waving during the infusion should be avoided, according to the “framework concept for spa facilities for the administration of local remedies, indoor and outdoor pools and wellness facilities in spas and hotels”. Austria dispenses with distance regulations, South Tyrol recommends at least one meter, and body temperature is also measured there before wellness treatments.
The German Sauna Association – at least once a year the organizer of the German Aufguss Championship – also deals with the question of wedging in infusions in its current “Notes on waving in public saunas”. It is recommended to limit the infusion ritual to twelve minutes and to ensure that the temperature is high enough. If possible, people should not speak while the hot steam wafts through the cabin. The industry association also appeals to the guests: Visitors with acute respiratory diseases “should, for health reasons and out of consideration for the other sauna guests, generally not go to public saunas if they have a strong cough or runny nose”.
In addition to weighing up the risks, one of the most important questions when planning a wellness holiday is who is still allowed into the hotel – vaccinated, convalescent or tested? Here, too, the rules in Germany differ from state to state – and are constantly changing. Nowhere does it work without proof, but while unvaccinated people with a negative PCR test can go on vacation in Baden-Württemberg, accommodations in Bavaria are currently “2 G”. Unvaccinated people no longer have access to more and more public thermal baths and saunas in Germany. As a rule, children under the age of twelve are exempt from the requirements.
In Austria only those who have been vaccinated and recovered may be accommodated, in South Tyrol Proof that you have been vaccinated, recovered or tested must be presented in order to use the wellness facilities in the hotel. In Switzerland no certificate is required in the hotel. There you have to be able to show one of the 3 “Gs” when entering the country, just like in Italy.
Will it be possible under these circumstances to clear your head on the massage bench, during Ayurveda treatment or in a sweat bath? The longing for relaxation is clearly there, says Lutz Hertel, executive chairman of the German Wellness Association: The hotels are well booked, and “business is booming” even in day spas. The association sees itself as an advocate of a sustainable and holistic wellness concept: In the best case scenario, the relaxation lasts longer than just a few days in the wellness hotel. But, Hertel points out, “these are definitely not the best times”.
Before booking, ask in more detail what the hotel does to protect against infection
So that you feel at least in good hands during your stay, he advises you to take a closer look at how the respective company deals with the Corona issue when booking. How is information provided about measures to protect against infection? Is the current status clearly presented on the website? Do you get all the information you want when you ask? This is a good indication that the respective company is dealing responsibly with the challenges of the pandemic.
Some companies used technical solutions, installed ventilation systems, air purifiers or CO₂ sensors, reports Hertel. Others tried to use time slots to ensure that the sauna didn’t get too crowded. “There are definitely hotels in which more is done than necessary,” says Hertel and advises that before booking, you should ask a little more precisely what the conditions in the hotel of your choice look like.
A spa all to myself – that is also possible, but only with a very well filled travel budget: Luxury resorts in particular offer suites with their own wellness area.
But in addition to the development and implementation of hygiene concepts, Hertel sees another challenge for the employees that should not be underestimated: “Of course, it must also be checked whether the guests adhere to the specifications. The entire operation stands and falls.” Remembering the mask, demanding distances – this is an unfamiliar role for many employees, after all, you see yourself primarily as a host. “But it is important that you take consistent action against guests who do not stick to the rules of the game.”