Gyms 'high-risk' locations for spreading coronavirus

Those who have symptoms, including coughing or sneezing, should avoid heading to the gym.

Gyms have been identified as "high risk" locations for catching coronavirus due to sweat and dampness heightening the spread of germs.

Physician and journalist Dr. Norman Swan says gyms are the perfect place for the virus to spread because they are full of sweat.

Dampness is a bad thing for spreading germs. You 've got these big blokes pumping away and you never know, one of them might be a super spreader,  he told.

 It doesn't mean you stop going to the gym, you 've got to be super careful at the gym. You ve got to make sure you wipe down (the equipment) before and after use. 

Dr. Swan, who graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen, in Scotland, said people needed to make sure they were using hand-sanitizer while they worked out as well.

He said that despite there being no evidence of COVID-19 being spread through sweat, transmission can occur if someone with the virus coughs or sneezes onto their hands and then touches surfaces such as gym equipment.

Those who have symptoms, including coughing or sneezing, should avoid heading to the gym until they are well.