{"id":5051,"date":"2020-10-16T13:22:31","date_gmt":"2020-10-16T13:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/?p=5051"},"modified":"2022-03-07T22:15:24","modified_gmt":"2022-03-07T22:15:24","slug":"safely-share-a-bathroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/blog\/safely-share-a-bathroom\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Safely Share a Bathroom"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.6.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.6.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.6.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/BlogGraphics-05-1.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;How to Safely Share a Bathroom during a Pandemic&#8221; title_text=&#8221;BlogGraphics-05&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Sharing a Bathroom Graphic&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_5,3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>When living with others, there&#8217;s a chance that either you or one of your roommates needs to isolate or quarantine, and will need to figure out how to share a bathroom safely.<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Having a personal bathroom is ideal\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">because\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">it provides the most amount of protection against contracting COVID-19. But, we understand that having a personal bathroom while attending college may be unrealistic,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0so here are some tips for safely sharing a\u00a0bathroom\u00a0with others.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Daily Best Practices&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Best Practices&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Whether you are using a shared bathroom at home or in the dorms, or a public restroom, remember these basic tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Always wash and dry your hands<\/strong> after using the bathroom. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep the bathroom clean<\/strong> and disinfected on a regular basis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Limit the amount of time<\/strong> spent in a shared or public restroom.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wear a mask<\/strong> in a public restroom.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid using your phone<\/strong> with unwashed hands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Sharing a Bathroom in the Home&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sharing a Bathroom in the Home<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If someone within your home is isolating, talk with your roommates about how you are going to share the bathroom safely. The CDC recommends to wait as long as possible before using a shared bathroom and to wear a mask while using the bathroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Clean frequently touched surfaces in-between use<\/strong>.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><em>Frequently touched surfaces may include, but are not limited to, the\u00a0toilet seat, flush, sink, sink\u00a0faucet,\u00a0soap\u00a0dispenser, light\u00a0switches, cabinet\u00a0doors,\u00a0and doorknobs.\u00a0<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Keep a separate set of towels<\/strong> for each person to use within your household. This helps to avoid sharing personal items.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flush the toilet with the lid down<\/strong> when<span data-contrast=\"auto\">ever<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0possible<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> because to <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">prevent the virus from becoming airborne.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Increase ventilation<\/strong> by keeping a window open or fans on. <span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Develop a shower schedule<\/strong> with your roommates.\u00a0<span data-contrast=\"auto\">Doing so\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">will ensure that the shower is completely dry in between each use. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Sharing a Bathroom in the Residence Hall&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sharing a Bathroom in the Res<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">idence<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Hall<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Compared to sharing a bathroom at home, a res<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">idence<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0hall has a larger amount of people using the<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0same<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> bathroom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Shared<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0b<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">athrooms are cleaned and disinfected on<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0a regular basis in the residence halls by a general\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">maintenance<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> worker. However, if you want to be extra safe you can protect yourself further by bringing disinfectant wipes with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If possible, <strong>flush the toilet with the lid down<\/strong> to\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">prevent the virus from becoming airborne.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>Use your personal sink whenever possible<\/strong> as several res<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">idence<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0hall rooms have\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">their own\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sinks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid setting personal items in the shower or sink<\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">such as your <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">toothbrush<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Or consider bringing disinfectant wipes with you to clean the surface before getting ready.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Need to shower? Assess the situation before jumping in. If more than half the showers are being used, consider waiting and showering at a later time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Remember to\u00a0<i>always\u00a0<\/i><\/strong><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong>wear shower shoes<\/strong> when using a residence hall shower. This has always been the norm<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">because<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0it protect<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0yourself\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">from picking up germs. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Bring personal shower\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">supplies<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in a shower caddy or\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ziploc<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0bag.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">B<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ring a robe with you when showering so you can<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0get<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> dressed and ready in your room. This helps <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to limit the time spent in the shared space.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Sharing a Public Bathroom&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sharing a Public Bathroom<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The biggest risk with using public restrooms is that we don&#8217;t know when they were last disinfected, how many people have used it, and if anyone that has used it\u2013has symptoms or has been exposed to COVID-19.<\/p>\n<p>When using a public bathroom, such as in between classes on campus or during a long shift at work, keep these tips in mind to help minimize the risk:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Always wash and dry your hands<\/strong> after using the bathroom.<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Limit the time spent in the bathroom<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Wear a mask<\/strong> while using.<\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><strong>Avoid using your phone<\/strong> with unwashed hands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Conclusion&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.8.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Remember these tips to keep yourself safe. Hopefully you can feel some extra relief as you relieve yourself!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When living with others, there&#8217;s a chance that either you or one of your roommates needs to isolate or quarantine, and will need to figure out how to share a bathroom safely. Having a personal bathroom is ideal\u00a0because\u00a0it provides the most amount of protection against contracting COVID-19. But, we understand that having a personal bathroom [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":5056,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[729,1],"tags":[826,728,827,823,828],"class_list":["post-5051","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-covid-19","category-wellness-blog","tag-bathroom","tag-covid-19","tag-isolation","tag-quarantine","tag-wash-hands"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2020\/10\/Blog_Graphics-16.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7PQJv-1jt","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5051","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/125"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5051"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5051\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7235,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5051\/revisions\/7235"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5056"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5051"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5051"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/wellness\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5051"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}