Q&A about the coronavirus

With COVID-19 now impacting the lives of Canadians on so many levels, people across the country are seeking answers to numerous important questions they have about the novel coronavirus.

How does one stay safe in close quarters during COVID-19?

The elevator door opens and someone is already inside. Do you go in, or do you wait for the next one?

For those living in large cities across the country — especially those in apartment buildings or condo clusters — physical distancing is easier said than done.

Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease expert based out of Toronto General Hospital, says people need to use common sense when navigating high-traffic areas like condo lobbies, elevators and shared laundry rooms.

And while guidelines and passenger limits are great to see, he agrees it’s difficult to make sure everyone abides.

With apartment buildings brimming with high-touch surfaces — think door knobs, elevator buttons, garbage chutes, the front desk and mail room areas — Bogoch stresses maintaining good hand hygiene, especially for people living in close proximity with what could be hundreds of others.

Itching to get outdoors?

Officials are urging people to stay home as much as possible and only go out for essentials such as food and medication.

Dr. Peter Donnelly, Public Health Ontario’s president and chief executive officer, says if people want to get some exercise they should do so on their own, or in very small groups of people with whom they already live.

Those who don’t follow the publichealth rules of staying six feet away from others also risk getting ticketed in some jurisdictions.

Infectious disease specialists are also asking people to use common sense in choosing their destinations when they want to enjoy the outdoors.

Dr. Andrea Boggild, an infectious disease specialist and associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, cautioned against using picnic tables, playgrounds and even sports courts, characterizing all of them as “high-touch areas.”

What you need to know about takeout?

Experts say while the chances of transmission via food courier are quite low, taking a number of precautionary steps can help minimize risk and put the mind at ease.

University of Guelph food science professor Keith Warriner says there’s more chance of being infected by a person rather than a parcel.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine last week suggests the virus can live for up to 24 hours on cardboard and on other surfaces, including plastic, for up to 72 hours.

Warriner says while there’s a small possibility an infected person may have sneezed or coughed while handling your food order, chances that the virus will be passed along on the packaging are slim.

He says frequent handwashing, particularly before or after handling food and containers, can further mitigate the risk.

Is online shaming of COVID 19 rebels effective?

Experts in psychology and sociology are divided.

Hilary Bergsieker, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo, says it’s a tough one because to do it on the scale that would have impact, the audience really matters.

For teenagers, she says, sometimes the disapproval of others can almost be like a badge of honour.

Harris Ali, a sociology professor at York University in Toronto, believes that type of online shaming can work.

He sees the situation as one of

“social control,” which he describes as influencing people to change their behaviour, and likened online shaming to earlier public health campaigns against smoking or drunk driving.

How well can cell phones carry COVID 19?

A microbiology specialist from Edmonton says cell phones are like an extension of a person’s body.

Jason Tetro says people have to think of their cell phones in the same way that they would think of their hands or feet and keep it as clean as they would normally keep their limbs.

He suggests using a damp cloth with soap to disinfect, being careful not to use too much liquid on an electronic.

“...people have to think of their cell phones in the same way that they would think of their hands or feet”