Quarantine rules are listed in front of a bathhouse in Seoul on Dec. 1, 2020. (Photo: Yonhap News)
Health authorities have sought to explain why bathhouses have not been shut down amid tougher Level 2.5 social distancing rules in the greater Seoul area.
The government has been facing mounting criticism for allowing bathhouses to remain open with limits on visitor numbers and blocked access to sauna, despite a number of outbreaks linked to such businesses.
Health ministry spokesman Son Young-rae told reporters Wednesday bathhouses are deemed an essential facility for socially marginalized groups such as low-income workers and seniors who live alone.
Son explained many households in the capital do not have access to hot water in the winter and that is why bathhouses are operating.
The official acknowledged the risk of the virus spreading within bathhouse locker rooms, but said owners have been ordered to follow all antivirus rules.
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