Assessing COVID-19 Risks in Shared Spaces: Elevator Safety Concerns

Inquiries about epidemic prevention?

Hello, today it seems that there are individuals returning from abroad who need to be quarantined in the building.
I did not encounter them, but an elder in my family wanted to collect laundry and pressed the elevator button.
When the door opened, they saw a lot of water on the floor and smelled alcohol, which felt strange, so they did not dare to enter.
After inquiring, I learned that someone who had just returned from abroad had used the elevator.
I would like to ask the doctor if my family member is at risk.
They only opened the elevator door to take a look and did not enter.
I am not sure how much time had passed; the building security said the person entered at 12:26, and my family member went to use the elevator around 12:45.
Although the elevator was disinfected afterward, I noticed that others continued to use it shortly after it was blocked for a little over an hour.
I am concerned about whether just being in the air could pose a risk of infection, especially since my family member was reminded to wear a mask.
Additionally, after returning home, the elder was worried that while speaking with the mask on, if there were bacteria on it, they could spray them onto others in the household, even though they were quite far away.
They quickly disposed of the mask afterward.
Thank you for your response!

Xu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/26

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, based on your description, if the areas that were passed through have been disinfected and left to sit for an hour, the risk of infection should be relatively low.
Currently, if patients are confirmed, they should be receiving treatment in the hospital.
The situation you described seems to represent a general home quarantine with a relatively low risk.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2021/01/26

More Info

When assessing the risk of COVID-19 transmission in shared spaces like elevators, several factors come into play, including the duration of exposure, the presence of respiratory droplets, and the effectiveness of preventive measures such as mask-wearing and sanitization.

In your situation, it appears that your family member only briefly encountered the elevator after it had been used by someone returning from abroad, and they did not enter the elevator. The fact that the elevator was sanitized and that there was a time gap (approximately 19 minutes) between the last known use by the traveler and your family member's encounter further reduces the risk of transmission. COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. If your family member did not enter the elevator and only opened the door to look inside, the likelihood of inhaling infectious droplets is minimal, especially if the elevator was not in use during that time.

Moreover, the use of alcohol-based sanitizers on surfaces can significantly reduce the viral load present, assuming that the elevator was properly cleaned. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, which includes elevator buttons and handrails. If the elevator was sanitized, and your family member did not have direct contact with surfaces or individuals who might be infected, the risk remains low.

Regarding your concern about your family member speaking while wearing a mask, it is important to note that masks are effective in reducing the spread of respiratory droplets. If the mask is worn correctly, it should significantly minimize the risk of transmitting any potential pathogens to others, even if they are in close proximity. The concern about droplets being expelled from the mask while talking is valid; however, the risk of transmission is greatly reduced when both parties are wearing masks, as they act as barriers to droplet spread.

In summary, based on the information provided, the risk of COVID-19 transmission to your family member from the brief encounter with the elevator is very low. The combination of sanitization, the time elapsed since the last use, and the use of masks all contribute to a reduced risk. It is always advisable to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding touching the face, to further minimize any potential risks.

If your family member continues to feel anxious about potential exposure, it might be helpful to encourage them to stay informed about local health guidelines and to practice preventive measures consistently. Staying updated on vaccination recommendations and booster shots can also provide additional protection against COVID-19. Overall, while it is important to remain vigilant, it is equally crucial to avoid excessive worry, especially when appropriate precautions are being taken.

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