Did you know ...
Studies show that millions of germs exist on high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones and elevator buttons. They can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours and can be transferred to our hands, increasing our risk of infection.
One of the easiest ways that germs are spread, which is often overlooked, is by coming into contact with infected high-touch surfaces. The timeline below demonstrates how SARS may have been spread to Toronto by something as simple as touching an infected surface.
SARS: Spread through high-touch surfaces
SARS can be spread both through close contact with an infected person and through high-touch surfaces contaminated with infectious droplets.
The timeline below helps to illustrate how SARS may have been spread by something as simple as pushing an elevator button.
The Doctor and the Tourist stayed in the same hotel, but there is no evidence that they came into close contact with each other.
It must have been transmitted by touching an infected surface, such as the elevator button!
How do we currently reduce the risk?
Until now, there were 3 ways to minimize the risk of transmission:
- Hand Washing
- Using hand sanitizer
- Regular cleaning/disinfecting of surfaces
Unfortunately, regular cleaning never eliminates all germs. As soon as cleaning is complete, any remaining germs being to reproduce at an exponential rate.
Can you imagine hiring someone for each high-touch surface to properly clean and disinfect it after every touch? It is not feasible.