HARLINGEN, Texas — With businesses across Texas reopening, more people are using public restrooms.
Some people worry they can catch COVID-19 in a public restroom due to the establishment not keeping up with cleanliness standards.
However, health experts say the risk is minimal.
“The virus is really going to enter through the eyes, the nose the mouth rather than your skin on your backside,” explained Dr. James Castillo from the Cameron County Health Authority.
During a ZOOM interview he told KVEO-TV public restrooms don’t pose an extra risk of catching the virus more than any other public area surface.
“The CDC says they don’t think that the primary way that this is being spread is by surfaces,” Castillo said. ” Its mostly spread by respiratory droplets. But surfaces are still possible.”
It’s recommended to continue to follow social distancing protocols along with proper hygiene that includes washing your hands. This is important especially when touching surfaces in public areas.
“It’s safe to be using public restrooms as long as you’re taking those important hand hygiene seriously,” he added.
Public restrooms are required to be disinfected and cleaned regularly in order to remain open according to the CDC.
