Tips to stay safe when using public toilets

[Sarah_PRDA]

In collaboration with the Toilet Consortium*, the PRDA has produced some simple tips to stay safe when using public toilets:

- Carry your own gloves, sanitiser and wipes.

- Minimise what you touch with your hands. Flush with your elbow if you can.

- Always try and flush with the lid down if there is one, this is when most germs are distributed.

Analysis of faeces has shown Covid infection up to two weeks before a person gets symptoms.

- Avoid using hand driers. If you can, take a small hand towel in your 'toilet kit' to dry your hands.

*The PRDA is a member of the Toilet Consortium which is a mixture of charities, academics and campaigners representing various other toilet organisations all campaigning to stop the steady decrease of public toilets.

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer]

My worry is that the cubicles are not socially distanced and neither are the hand washing facilities. Also , if like me you find it hard to stand in line for ages , a queue for the spaced out loos would be equally problematic.

"Our gate" still seems most attractive but life is to be lived!

[SpaghettiBetty in reply to jude-the-obscure]

Yes I agree social distancing could be problematic and then have a knock-on effect like you say of causing queues.

I’m really hopefful that his will shine a light for businesses and developers to really think about their toilet facilities.

I always really appreciate floor to ceiling cubicles which have their own wash basin in.

I will more than likely be making use of my radar key when I eventually venture out.

[jude-the-obscure Community Pioneer in reply to SpaghettiBetty]

Me too! OK if you have Radar loos available - someone was saying that they only have one in their small town and it is not particularly pleasant.

I have been petitioning our favourite garden centre to update and upgrade the female loos. I love going there but the loos are Victorian! They spend lots on other parts of the premises....

[Romian]

I live in the USA and when I traveled to NE UK (Newcastle area) a year and a half ago, I was surprised that there were no disposable toilet seat covers anywhere. Same thing in France. In the US they are everywhere and it's more hygienic. Next time I travel to Europe, I will carry or buy some.