Five tips to avoid germs in the public restroom

A recent coronavirus case investigation done by the Department of Health of Kaohsiung City Government shows public toilets may be a source of COVID-19 spread. 

In an investigation done on May 20, two people in the same restaurant with no contact were diagnosed with COVID-19. The Department of Health indicates that public restrooms may be the transmission route for the coronavirus.     

Five tips to avoid germs in the public restroom. Image courtesy of BBC.

The public restroom with cramped spaces, heavy foot traffic, and inadequate ventilation, could be a risky place to pick up the coronavirus. According to  AARP, a study found that the simple act of flushing can force as much as 60 percent of produced aerosols, which could be potentially infectious, high above the toilet seat (a phenomenon known as “toilet plume"). 

Five tips to avoid germs in the public restroom. Image courtesy of《台灣中評網》.

• Five tips to avoid germs in the public restroom:

1. Avoid using public restrooms:  Avoid unnecessary activities outside amid the Covid-19 surge in Taiwan. And if you have to leave home, go to the bathroom before leaving home. 

2. Wear a mask inside the bathroom: Bathrooms can also be infectious by air, breathing previously shared air could increase the transmission of coronavirus. Therefore, wearing a mask can help stop respiratory viruses. 

3. Put the lid down when flushing: Toilet plume can easily be dealt with by putting the lid down to flush.  

4. Spray the stall and the toilet seat:  This can help bring down the virus particulates that remain in the air or the toilet seat. 

5. Wash your hands after using the toilet: Remember to wash your hands with some hand sanitizer after using the toilet. Make sure to reapply it if you've touched any high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, faucets, or wastebaskets, as well.