I, like many of us, have been watching the White House Press Conferences every day during this crisis. I do this in an effort to increase my level of knowledge for decision-making. During a crisis it is important stay positive and to stay informed!
A recent briefing from the President was of particular importance as it relates to the potential of light and heat as a combatant to COVID-19.
William Bryan, head of science and technology at the Department of Homeland Security, revealed some interesting new findings from the U.S. Army’s high-level biosecurity laboratory at Fort Detrick, Md. that show certain levels of exposure to heat, humidity and sunlight reduces the lifespan of the Coronavirus.
“The laboratory results show that increases in temperature, humidity and sunlight all can speed up how fast the virus is destroyed, based on measurements of its half-life when exposed to these elements.”¹
In the same press conference, Dr. Deborah Leah Birx made the point that creating an artificial fever may provide a health benefit. Of course, this is what happens during a HOTWORX training session as the infrared heat causes the body’s core temperature to rise. Dr. Birx is a physician, a veteran (achieved the rank of Colonel in the United States Army) and a diplomat who specializes in global health specific to immunology and vaccine research. She also serves as the Coronavirus Response Coordinator for the Trump Administration's White House Coronavirus Task Force.
It was obvious that President Trump wanted to convey to all of us that summer heat and sunlight might be a good thing to help as we move forward to defeat the pandemic. He made this statement:
"I hope people enjoy the sun, and if that has an impact, that's great.”
HOTWORX has released an official statement which addresses the effect of high temperature on the coronavirus:
A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security showed that exposure to higher temperatures resulted in a more rapid death for the coronavirus. Bill Bryan, Head of the Science and Technology Directorate at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, presented the findings of this study during a press conference hosted by the Coronavirus Task Force. Bryan stated, "For example, increasing the temperature and humidity of potentially contaminated indoor spaces appears to reduce the stability of the virus. And extra care may be warranted for dry environments that do not have exposure to solar light."
While the 125 degree temperature of our infrared workout saunas may be considered an unfavorable condition for survival of the virus based on these findings, HOTWORX makes no claim to provide a cure, remedy, treatment or relief in any way for COVID-19. As our studios begin to reopen, we kindly ask that HOTWORX members and guests follow the new social distancing and other protective guidelines we have temporarily implemented to lower the risks associated with the virus.
The new research is promising with respect to the power of heat and sunlight, but out of an abundance of caution and respect for our customers, we have asked each of our franchise locations to refer back to this official statement in any conversation with the media (or anyone) to ensure that no erroneous, confusing or false-positive statements are made.
We all look forward to more hot exercise and to the reopening of all of our HOTWORX 24 Hour Infrared Fitness Studio locations very soon.
Stay positive, and stay safe my friends!
