Public toilet hygiene can be sketchy at the best of times but how dangerous are they during COVID-19?

This was a question asked and expertly answered on travel website smartertravel.com.

Just thought I'd share it with you.

Q. I’m taking a road trip soon. Should I worry about using a public bathroom during COVID-19?

A. Public bathrooms can be questionable at the best of times, but they’re an unavoidable part of life outside your house. To find out how much you really need to worry, I consulted Dr Le, an infectious disease specialist at Cedars-Sinai.

“Public restrooms expose an individual to the same level of risk as other indoor gatherings,” said Dr Le.

This “means your time spent in them should be brief and only as necessary. Individuals should avoid crowding in public restrooms and maintain physically distancing.”

The good news, says Dr Le, is that “there is less and less research indicating the risk of transmission of COVID-19 can be spread on hard surfaces. However, some research does support the viral shedding of COVID-19 in stool. I recommend using the general common sense one would use outside of a pandemic – if an area is actively soiled, avoid contact.”

So, if a public bathroom is too crowded or looks dirty, find another one (if possible). Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, and avoid touching the door handles on the way out.