We have seen over the years how easy it can be for contagious germs in public places.
Contagious germs are a real threat to our shared spaces. The recent COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how important it is to be vigilant about germy hotspots in order to minimize the risk of spreading illness and getting sick.
These are 7 of the most germinating public places you should be looking out for:
Elevator Buttons
Germs will cover any frequently touched items in public places. This is especially true of elevator buttons, which may not be cleaned or wiped down regularly.
You can reduce the risk of getting sick by using a pen or glove to push the buttons.
ATM Keypads
ATM keypads can be another place that is frequently touched but doesn’t get cleaned often.
Use sanitation wipes on your keys and hands before using them.
In some cases, even up to 17 days have been reported for cash banknotes containing flu viruses.
The risk of spreading or catching viruses can be reduced by wearing gloves. Wash your hands often and don’t touch any money you have touched recently.
Shopping Carts
Shopping carts can be extremely useful in transporting groceries. They can also lead to cross-contamination or food poisoning.
Grocery carts are frequently used by many people, one after the other, and they are not regularly cleaned, which makes them prime spots for bacteria and viruses to accumulate.
You can either use disposable gloves or sanitizer wipes to clean the cart’s handle before and after each use. Make sure to clean all food contact areas and store groceries in sealed containers.
Public Restrooms
Public toilets are a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. Every surface of a public bathroom can be infected with germs, including the toilet seats and faucet handles.
After you use the bathroom, rinse your hands with soapy water for at most 30 seconds.
Public Transportation
It is possible to get sick on buses, trains, subways and airplanes. Public transportation is a place where people from all walks of the life are in close contact. This makes it an ideal environment for germs to spread.
Germs can be spread easily by touching seats, grab rails and tray tables as well as door or window handles. You can reduce the chance of spreading germs by wearing a mask and washing your hands after you use public transport.
Gym equipment
Although public gyms can be great for working out, the equipment shared between users can become infected with germs and bacteria. Body oils and sweat can make it easy for germs to thrive, especially on equipment like weights and mats.
Use sanitizer wipes before using shared equipment.
Hotel Rooms
Although hotel rooms might seem safe, they can also be the germiest.
Although most housekeeping and cleaning staff do their best to make sure everything is spotless, some areas may get neglected or not properly sanitized.
Avoid getting sick by germs in hotel rooms by using sanitizer wipes for frequently touched surfaces.
Although it may seem unnecessary or excessive to wipe down surfaces with hand sanitizer and clean hands frequently, this is an important step towards preventing germ spread and protecting public health. These simple steps can help reduce the chance of getting sick and keep everyone safe. It’s safer to be safe than sorry. A few extra seconds can make a big difference in cleaning a surface.