Majority Of Brits Don’t Wear Face Coverings In Public Toilets Despite Concerns About The Spread Of Coronavirus

  • Public bathroomAlmost two thirds (62%) of the British public think more should be done to prevent washrooms from becoming a place where Coronavirus spreads
  • Initial Washroom Hygiene suggests Brits follow government guidelines and wear face coverings in indoor places where social distancing is difficult, including washrooms

New research released today by Initial Washroom Hygiene has revealed that less than half (49%) of Brits wear face coverings when visiting public washrooms, despite concerns about the spread of Coronavirus.

The majority of Brits (51%) think they could potentially catch Coronavirus from visiting a public washroom, while 39% believe public washrooms are the place where they are most likely to catch the virus. Nearly two-thirds (62%) want more to be done to prevent washrooms from becoming a place where Coronavirus spreads.

The experts in hygiene surveyed 2,000 consumers and found that only 44% Brits wear face coverings in areas where it is compulsory, such as in shops and on public transport. Initial Washroom Hygiene calls on Brits to follow current government guidance and wear face coverings in all indoor places where social distancing may be difficult and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

While most respondents said they do not wear face masks in public washrooms, the majority (60%) think public washrooms should provide access to face masks and/or hand sanitiser. Two-thirds (66%) also said they wanted more bins in washrooms so they can properly dispose of single-use items such as gloves, face masks and tissues.

The research also revealed that Brits prefer reusable facemasks, with 47% opting for a reusable covering, compared with 24% choosing a disposable mask. Nearly one-in-five (19%) have made their own face covering.

Jamie Woodhall UK Technical & Innovation Manager, Initial Washroom Hygiene comments: “Public washrooms contain many shared touchpoints and hard surfaces on which Coronavirus can survive. They are also a place where social distancing can be difficult to maintain and as such, the government suggests a face covering should be worn. Wearing a face covering when visiting the washroom is as much about protecting other members of the community as it is yourself.

“Face coverings help to reduce the risk of respiratory droplets landing on surfaces and common touchpoints, and therefore reduce the risk of Coronavirus spreading. We recommend that people follow government recommendations and wear face coverings in public washrooms where social distancing is not always possible, and suggest that effective handwashing and hand drying practices should be followed by washroom users, with clear signage in all washrooms to encourage proper hand hygiene and social distancing.

“With guidance and best practice surrounding Coronavirus constantly evolving, it can be challenging for businesses to know how to provide the safest washroom experience for customers. Initial works closely with businesses to provide guidance and implement latest best practice. We also offer a range of hygienic waste disposal units and washroom vending solutions which can dispense items such as PPE, face coverings and hand sanitiser.”