Ensuring safe usage of public washrooms

The Covid-19 crisis has cast a doubt on how safe it is to use public washrooms. Noida resident Ruhamita Banerjee feels one should avoid using public restrooms as far as possible. “Products like urination devices which help women stand while urinating or disinfectant sprays will come in handy,” she adds.

Many have now begun carrying their own soap and tissue papers to work. “I always open the door using a tissue paper. I avoid public soap dispensers,” says Delhibased Aliya Kulsum.

Sanitation workers at public washrooms are also following the safety protocol. “Spitting inside or outside the washroom is prohibited. Any person using the washroom has to wear a mask all the time. We sanitise washrooms regularly,” says Sachin Kumar, a sanitation worker based in Delhi.

While using public restrooms, here are some precautions diabetologist Dr Rachit Bhushan recommends:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, use paper towels to open the door.

If the toilet does not have a lid, keep your face away from the toilet while flushing and exit quickly.

Standing in a queue with no social distancing may increase your risk of contracting infection.

Use disinfecting wipes to clean any surface children may touch in public washrooms. Do not put your things on the restroom floor.

Hot chocolate milk at night helps you sleep better. Just add milk, chocolate, a pinch of cinnamon, brown sugar in a pan and stir well. Add some marshmallows and enjoy the hot cuppa before you sleep.

Add 3tbsp of chia seeds, few crushed almonds and walnuts, half a cup of milk, 2tbsp cocoa or drinking chocolate, maple syrup, 2tsp of sugar or brown sugar or

Boil 40gm rolled oats till they become crunchy. Melt 100gm dark chocolate and mix with 30gm chopped dates, 10gm raisins and 5gm freshly grated turmeric. Shape the mixture into a bar and refrigerate for an hour.