While the pandemic rages on, creative parents are finding ways to enjoy the summer with their kids outdoors. Some brave souls are even dining out and taking summer road trips. But if you stay out for any length of time, there will be a moment when nature calls — and you and your kids will be faced with the reality of avoiding COVID-19 in a bathroom.
The news on COVID-19 aerosols
How to minimize your risk
But there are going to be times when you and/or your child are going to have to use public facilities.
Faith Jackson of California has figured out an elaborate public restroom routine to stay safe. “I make sure my mask remains on before entering and I put on some disposable gloves. I keep my sunglasses on to protect my eyes when I flush," she told Mom.com.
But her precations don't stop there. "I turn the water on before I take off and properly dispose of the gloves, turning them inside out," Jackson continued. "I wash my hands for 20 seconds and use a paper towel to turn off water, before grabbing another couple paper towels to wipe my hands. I then use the same paper towels to open the bathroom door, and use my foot to keep the door open and make a half court shot with the paper towel to the wastepaper basket.”
She added, “I have to be honest though. I miss some of my half court shots.”
Dr. Tanya Altmann of the American Academy of Pediatrics is also a mother of three, and she shared the guidance she gives her young kids with The New York Times. “Don’t touch anything, Mommy will do it all for you,” she said.
Here are some guidelines for taking the kids to a public restroom:
- Parents should do all the touching of surfaces, with a wipe, gloves, or a paper towel.
- Wipe down door handles and toilet seats with a sanitizing wipe.
- Parents should open the door (with a wipe), lay down a toilet seat cover, place child on the seat, flush, and help them wipe.
- Parents and children both wash hands thoroughly.
- Avoid bathrooms with hand dryers, because they can also spread the virus. Use paper towels to dry.
- If your kids are still in diapers, pack some plastic garbage bags you can use to create a clean mat for the changing table. (When you’re done, just roll the dirty diaper and wipes in the bag and toss away.)
