After a long proverbial winter, a thaw has emerged and the flowers are blooming. I’m ecstatic that Los Angeles County is now moving to the Yellow Tier, meaning I will shortly enjoy two of my favorite things once again: saunas and steam rooms.
Saunas, Steam Rooms Can Open Again In Los Angeles County
With case numbers and deaths continuing to drop and vaccinations rising, Los Angeles County just moved into the Yellow Tier, the least-restrictive of California’s five-tier system for managing the pandemic in the Golden State.
For over a year, saunas and steam rooms have been closed. The Scandinavian-German in me loves them and this has been the one activity I have missed most during the pandemic.
Gyms have been re-opened outdoors for several months and indoors for the last month, but saunas and steam rooms have remained closed. With LA County now in the Yellow Tier, I’ll soon be able to conclude my workouts with a good sweat!
But this isn’t a post simply about heralding saunas. Rather, I want to again express my gratitude to the men and women who worked around the clock to develop an efficient and effective vaccine so quickly. Early signs validate what we had hoped for: vaccines work. Have you scheduled yours yet?
The vaccine is now available freely to everyone over 18. More work needs to be done to reach out to vulnerable communities in order to provide practical solutions to get vaccinated. Setting up evening and weekend vaccination sites in public places would help many who work long hours and cannot just step away in the middle of the day for a jab.
But I hope that we will soon reach a point in which everyone who wants to be vaccinated, has been vaccinated. And when that occurs, there should be no more shutdowns, even if case numbers rise slightly due to selfish people who refuse a vaccine.
CONCLUSION
Later in the week, I’ll offer my thoughts on travel in a country in which vaccines are readily available. The virus will likely never be eradicated, but we can temper it and co-exist with it, just as we do with so many other viruses and maladies.
That saunas and steam rooms (and indoors bars and concert halls and theaters) are opening again in Los Angeles makes me smile. We now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
While still keeping up our guard through proper hygiene, it’s time to get back to life. See you in the steam room.
When will these reopen in New York City? Still closed here
Yet AMEX @ LAX remains to-go boxes only…
$$$
I visited the newly opened jjimjilbang Spa World in Houston (Katy) last fall. By far the best sauna I’ve ever experienced—over 20 different style rooms to say nothing of the rest of the generous facilities. If your local spot is still closed book a flight to Houston.
So who is that woman? Did she consent to you taking/using her picture for your blog? Just asking because of your previous public picture related post. Not judging, just asking.
Ha. Just a stock photo.
Any steam/sauna recommendations in LA?
Good question and I do not have any recommendations, because I never stray further than my gym…I’ll have to branch out!
@Matthew will masks be required in the saunas? Will there be occupancy limits?
50% occupancy, no masks.
Dreadful. I’d sooner walk over hot coals ( on reflection, I think hot coals are in fact part of the sauna ‘thing’, or were the last time I went c1975)
Oh come now Paolo, it’s absolutely refreshing!
All good then Matthew. I approve, 🙂
FYI – In the US, vaccinations for Covid-19 are available for ages 16+ (not just 18+).
Isn’t too soon?
I think it’s not a good time to breaking the quarantine in this level.
You’re Scandinavian-German?
Yes. Surprised?
come down to Beach Spa or Imperial Spa in good old Fullerton
@Evan, no idea about Los Angeles—I avoid drives longer than 20 minutes in metro LA traffic. A general rule for dedicated saunas in the US, Korean jjimjilbangs tend to be the best. The biggest ones are also community centers & pod hotels. From there, try Japanese style, then all those in the greater European tradition.