For people who live or work in tall buildings, taking a lift feels riskier in the time of coronavirus. Even if we can avoid riding the lift with other people, are we still riding with the germs they left behind?
Most lifts aren’t big enough to allow people to stay six feet apart, so there’s a chance that infected passengers could transmit the virus, particularly if they are unmasked and are coughing, talking or just came in from a jog and are breathing heavily.
But even if you’re riding the lift alone, there are other ways you might catch the coronavirus, although the risk is low. Elevator buttons and side rails are a potential risk if your hands become contaminated and you touch your face. And what about the elevator air? If you step into an elevator after an infected person has been riding in it, can you breathe in floating germs?
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While constant sanitizing, social distancing, and other precautions can go a long way in ensuring you stay safe, but as more and more offices open, an important question needs to be answered – Is it safe to use the lifts during COVID-19?
There are several tips you can follow to ensure that you remain safe even when you use the lifts.
• Wear a Mask at All Times
It cannot be stressed enough how important wearing a mask is these days. Whether you are sick or not, a mask can help significantly cut down the risk of the infection spreading. Even if you are travelling in the lift alone, you cannot be sure that the virus is not lingering in the air because of a previous rider.
• Practice Social Distancing Inside the Lift: For people who live or work in tall buildings, taking an elevator feels riskier in the time of coronavirus. Even if we can avoid riding the elevator with other people, are we still riding with the germs they left behind?
Most elevators aren’t big enough to allow people to stay six feet apart, so there’s a chance that infected passengers could transmit the virus, particularly if they are unmasked and are coughing, talking or just came in from a jog and are breathing heavily.
But even if you’re riding the elevator alone, there are other ways you might catch the coronavirus, although the risk is low. Elevator buttons and side rails are a potential risk if your hands become contaminated and you touch your face. And what about the elevator air? If you step into an elevator after an infected person has been riding in it, can you breathe in floating germs?
It is, of course, not possible to maintain a 6 feet distance from others in a lift but the least you can do is stand as far away as possible from others.
• Avoid Getting into Crowded Lifts
Better safe than sorry. If a lift is crowded, just wait for the next car. You do not want to get too close to others, something that would not be avoidable if you knowingly get into an already crowded lift.
• Stay Away from the Walls of the Lift
Though lifts are supposed to be cleaned regularly, you still need to avoid touching surfaces that other people may also have been touching. A lift ride is generally not very long, so you can definitely manage this to avoid the risk of getting infected through surface contact.
• Refrain from Touching Your Face
Regardless of the precautions you take, you should not touch your eyes, mouth, or face till the lift ride is over and you have sanitized or washed your hands afterwards. Be disciplined about this at all times.
• Avoid Talking to People from a Close Distance
Anything that involves you opening your mouth, like yawning, coughing, sneezing, or talking can multiply the chances of the infection spreading. So, any conversation you wish to have can wait till you get out of the elevator and can practice proper social distancing.
• Wear Gloves
Wearing gloves to press the buttons in the lift is another precaution that you can take. But you need to be careful that you do not touch your face with your gloved hands. Establishments that have lifts are also required to keep toothpicks at the entrances of their elevators to offer people a way to press the buttons of the elevator without having to touch them. This is another option that you can choose.
• Sanitize, sanitize, and sanitize!
The best way to prevent the spread of the infection and to avoid getting sick is by using sanitizers regularly. Make it an unforgettable habit and sanitize whenever you need to.
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Compiled by : S.V.SAI BABA
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