Thread by @globeandmail

From 72 hour book quarantines to constant sanitation measures, experts are saying it’s time to move past “hygiene theatre” – cleaning behaviours that give people a sense of security, but are actually unlikely to reduce COVID-19 transmission.

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Research has repeatedly shown that the risk of surface transmission is relatively low and can be addressed through conventional cleaning, the scientific director of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said.

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The environmental impact of disposable wipes, the cost of disinfecting supplies, and the burden on restaurant and retail employees are further reasons to start being pragmatic about hygiene practices

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Cleaning protocols, however, are reassuring for some people – particularly in grocery stores.

“Honestly, I think it’s mentally … relaxing, a little bit,” a Toronto-based photographer and videographer said.

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Others argue that surface disinfection takes away from more important measures. Ventilation in places with high risk of transmission such as long-term care facilities or workplaces, for example, is a more critical area that needs improvement.

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While experts agree that hand hygiene should remain a lifestyle habit beyond the pandemic, it’s time for hygiene theatre to end, they say.

“I do think ... we probably can ease up on a lot of the cleaning of our environment,” one doctor said.

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Do you feel more protected against COVID-19 when stores sanitize their surfaces?