Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q: We want to visit with a few friends that are outside our bubble & are trying to #StaySMART by social distancing outdoors while wearing masks...but what if someone needs to use my bathroom, is it okay to let them?

2/ A: Yes, you can let someone from outside your household use your bathroom.

While not completely risk-free, you can take these steps to reduce the likelihood of spreading SARS-CoV-2 to them, and them to you:

3/
⭐️ Designate one bathroom for use by guests if possible.
⭐️ Clean your bathroom thoroughly before anyone uses it.
⭐️ Store away any non-essential objects in the bathroom beforehand.
⭐️ Open a window or turn on the fan (w/outdoor air vent) to increase air flow & ventilation.

4/
⭐️ Limit the number of ppl outside your bubble that enter your house to use the bathroom to one at a time to avoid crowding (unless, for example, a child needs assistance from a parent).
⭐️ Ask that ppl keep their masks on inside your home.

5/
⭐️ Remind ppl to flush w/the lid down & wash their hands. Opt for paper towels over reusable hand towels.
⭐️ Have sanitizing wipes at the ready & ask that guests wipe down any surfaces they touch (i.e., doorknob, light switch, sink, toilet lid & handle, etc.) before exiting.

6/
⭐️ Clean the bathroom again before your family resumes use.

A few other points to consider. The longer your visit, the more likely people will need to use the bathroom, which is another reason to remember “T” for time in #SMART & keep it short (bit.ly/3lp03US).

7/ If you feel you are at high-risk for complications of #COVID19, you may want to err on the side of caution & not allow others to use your bathroom (best to let individuals know this ahead of time or, again, plan for a short visit only).

8/ For more tips and considerations see the article linked here: huffpost.com/entry/is-it-sa…

Bonus! See our previous post on using public bathrooms here: bit.ly/3jeYN4S