Starting early in the year 2020, the novel Coronavirus 19 caused a widespread fear of the unknown. For many people they have had limited connection with the outside world and limit their exposure to others, However, there are specific times in which one finds themselves in a bind when they need access to a public restroom. Scott Kearnan wrote about his experience in which he struggled to find a restroom during his long daily adventures away from the comfort of his own home and restroom. This was a small inconvenience for himself and how he himself may have to purchase something in order to use the facilities, but he brings up a point about essential workers, specifically delivery drivers, that work independently and may not have the option to go home before their next delivery (Kearnan). This leads to the question of is it necessary to cut off use of public restrooms to the public and if not what are the risks associated with using a public restroom.
Many factors are taken into consideration when thinking about potential risks to the users of public restrooms. Some of these factors include lack of ventilation, stall separation and many more (Calechman). When it comes down to this indoor activity vs others, one of the main factors is air and how a flush can cause a spray when the toilet is flushed. During the early months of the pandemic, scientists showed that a toilet may spread droplets up to three feet (Amenabar). This caused an uprising concern, however, according to Teddy Amenbar, “research suggests that the coronavirus is far less likely to be transmittable person to person after traveling through the human body, and specifically the colon” (Amenabar). With this information, one can assume that person to person contact would be far more concerning than using a public restroom if it is regularly cleaned, and the conditions a public restroom would need to be, to be considered safe vs unsafe.
When it comes to protecting yourself from others, whether it be indoor activities, such as shopping or using a public restroom, safety measures are the same. Emily Sickber-Bennett states that preventive measures include wearing a mask as well as washing your hands and avoiding others and avoiding contact with respiratory droplets, which is how the virus is mainly spread helps reduce the risk in these small spaces (Amenabar). In addition, John Ross includes avoiding touching high traffic areas and using a foot, elbow or paper towels when possible to flush, or open doors and to avoid touching your face while doing these activities in order to reduce exposure (Calechman). These tips can help users understand the risk of using a small space with little ventilation as safely and effectively as possible during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bibliography
Amenabar, Teddy. “Regarding Using a Public Bathroom in the Middle of a Pandemic.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 16 Oct. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2020/10/15/coronavirus-public-restroom/.
Calechman, Steve. “How Risky Is Using a Public Bathroom during the Pandemic?” Harvard Health Blog, 24 Aug. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-risky-is-using-a-public-bathroom-during-the-pandemic-2020071420556.
Kearnan, Scott. “Oh, Crap: In COVID-Era Boston, Free Bathrooms Are Hard to Find.” Boston Magazine, Boston Magazine, 21 Jan. 2021, www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2021/01/21/covid-no-public-bathrooms/.
Image Source
Calechman, Steve. “How Risky Is Using a Public Bathroom during the Pandemic?” Harvard Health Blog, 24 Aug. 2020, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-risky-is-using-a-public-bathroom-during-the-pandemic-2020071420556.