India is reporting more than 4 lakh fresh coronavirus cases daily. These rapidly increasing numbers have spread fear, chaos and uncertainty in the country.
Till now it was suggested that Coronavirus spreads through direct or indirect contact and preventive measures were advised based on this way of transmission. Several parts of the country are again put under lockdown, wearing masks and social distancing is mandatory. But, now it is said that Covid19 might be air-borne which means these preventive measures are not of much use.
Currently, a new theory is going around in the news and social media. The theory suggests that coronavirus can easily spread through bathroom sewage pipes and flushing the toilet. This means if the person in a neighboring apartment has tested covid positive then there is a risk of transmission through sewage pipes.
Health officials from Hongkong and China are saying that there is a possibility of virus transmission this way. In Hongkong, two residents living on two different floors in a high-rise apartment building contracted the virus. First, a 75-year-old man was infected. Ten days later a 62-year-old woman also contracted the infection. These two people were living 10 floors apart but in the same block. In the initial investigation, it was observed that their toilets and vent pipes were connected.
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This made the health officials in Hongkong compare the case with the 2003 SARS infection spread. In 2003, around 342 residents of a 50-floor building were infected with the SARS virus of which 42 lost their lives. According to officials, the virus had spread through the plumbing system of the building.
After finding out that a damaged or infected sewage system is a possible reason for covid spread, the Hongkong administration has advised people to follow some measures. People are advised to constantly clean their sewage system by pouring water into the drainage. Flushing after closing the toilet seat lid is also suggested.
Recently, a study said that blocking the path of fecal-oral transmission commonly occurring during toilet usage is the key to suppressing the spread of coronavirus. The researchers said that flushing a toilet generates strong turbulence with the bowl which is capable of expelling aerosol particles out of it. They noted that 40-60 percent of the particles can rise above the toilet seat causing a large-area spread. Also after 35-70 seconds of flushing, the diffused particles continue to climb.
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The study also shared a possibility of covid spread if an infected person uses the toilet. It is suggested that improper toilet usage can increase the chances of transmission. Also, many patients are experiencing intestinal infections with which they excrete the virus stools. After the flush, the virus in the stool can spread.
The study mentioned, “A confirmed case usually remains at home for isolation, where shared use of a bathroom is inevitable. The daily flow of people in a public washroom is stunningly large: thus, a confirmed case may cause a massive number of infections. For these reasons, investigation of toilets in the context of epidemic prevention is imperative.”
To remain safe from the Covid19, it is advised to not share the toilet. In case you have to share, make sure there is an exhaust fan in the toilet. Moreover, toilet seats should be put down before flushing. Bathrooms should be clean and toilet seats must be disinfected after every use.