COVID-19: Take Off Your Shoes Before Entering Your Home – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has advised people to take their shoes off to avoid the albeit low chances of carrying Coronavirus (COVID-19) into their homes, especially when they have infants and small children are at home.

WHO issue the advisory in a recent publication titled ‘Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters’.

“The likelihood of COVID-19 being spread on shoes and infecting individuals is very low. As a precautionary measure, particularly in homes where infants and small children crawl or play on floors, consider leaving your shoes at the entrance of your home. This will help prevent contact with dirt or any waste that could be carried on the soles of shoes,” it said.

The international public health agency also warned against the use of face masks during exercise.

“People should NOT wear masks when exercising as masks may reduce the ability to breathe comfortably.

“Sweat can make the mask become wet more quickly which makes it difficult to breathe and promotes the growth of microorganisms. The important preventive measure during exercise is to maintain physical distance of at least one meter from others,” it said.

WHO also debunked rumours that prolonged used of surgical masks could cause Carbon dioxide (CO2) intoxication or oxygen deficiency.

“While wearing a medical mask, make sure it fits properly and that it is tight enough to allow you to breathe normally.

“Do not re-use a disposable mask and always change it as soon as it gets damp.

“Medical masks (also known as surgical masks) are flat or pleated; they are affixed to the head with straps or have ear loops,” it said.