Close the toilet lid when you flush, DOH advises Pinoys amid COVID-19 threat

The Department of Health (DOH) has advised Filipinos to close the toilet lid when flushing to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and other diseases.

According to Maki Pulido's report for "24 Oras," the virus which causes COVID-19 has been found in the feces of some patients which tested positive to the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there is still no evidence of transmission via fecal matter, but the DOH still urged the practice of proper toilet hygiene.

"When you flush it, it swirls. Some of it will be sprayed into the air so that's your droplet," said Dr. Eric Tayag, Director of Knowledge Management and Information Technology Service.

"When you did not put the lid cover back, that spread into the room and so everyone in that room can inhale," he added.

A study conducted by a Chinese university also found that 40 to 60 percent of particles from the toilet may be flung up to 3.49 feet into the air.

To increase protection against COVID-19, DOH encouraged the use of face masks inside public toilets.

The agency said everyday situations have the highest infection rate for COVID-19, so everyone should still maintain physical distancing and frequent handwashing. —MGP, GMA News