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Taking the elevator
Text updated on 2020-09-26
If possible, avoid the elevator, which is a confined and restricted area, and take the stairs.
Did you know that? The analysis of 318 cases in which one person contaminated at least two other people in China (for a total of 1,245 people suffering from COVID-19) reveals that the majority of the contaminations took place in a closed space, mainly at home and on transport, and that only one contamination took place following an open air discussion with a person returning from Wuhan. For more information
If you have to take the elevator, put on a mask and get in the elevator only if other people are also wearing masks and if you can stay 1-2 meters away from them.
Did you know that? In early 2020 in Guangzhou, China, an individual was contaminated in an elevator while not wearing a mask and touched his face. His neighbour, who later tested positive for coronavirus, had taken the elevator two minutes before. For more information
Did you know that? In January 2020, at a call centre in South Korea, more than 90 employees working on the 11th floor were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Three people on the 9th and 10th floors were also contaminated, possibly via the elevator. To find out more about it
Your mask should cover your nose and mouth well.
Did you know that? A man who had put his mask on incorrectly was contaminated during a flight from Singapore to Hangzhou, China on January 24, 2020. On the plane, he sat with his mask in the wrong position for an hour next to two asymptomatic people who then tested positive for the coronavirus. The other people around were not infected. They all wore masks. To find out more about it
If possible, dedicate one hand to touching external objects (elevator buttons, etc.) and an uncontaminated hand to holding and handling your belongings. Some people touch elevator buttons after touching their runny nose.
Did you know this? In a hospital in South Africa, in March-April 2020, patients with COVID-19 contaminated other patients who were in very distant rooms. The investigation suggests that these cases of coronavirus transmission occurred through contaminated objects. For more information
Disinfect your hands with hydroalcoholic gel after touching the elevator buttons and other shared items.
Did you know this? A study of the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong shows that people who washed their hands more often were on average less infected with the SARS virus. Find out more about the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong