Could You Get Sick from Staying in a Dirty Hotel or Coming into Contact with a Mask-Wearing Employee?

Recently, I came across a 6-story hotel with 24 rooms on each floor where all the rooms, walls, hallways, and floors were in a really dirty, rusted, and littered condition. One of the rooms, Room 521, was cleaner than most others, and I stayed there for three nights. However, such an unsanitary environment raises concerns about the possibility of contracting illnesses, like the Coronavirus, and the general hygiene standards of a place.

The question arises - is a messy hotel more or less likely to contain the Coronavirus? While cleanliness may not directly equate to the absence of pathogens, it certainly contributes to a healthier environment. Considering the ongoing health guidelines, staying home as much as possible has been my priority. Since my last hotel stay was in the summer, I have ensured to avoid public spaces to minimize the risk of infection. However, recent observations in public places, such as cafes, have heightened my concerns about hygiene practices.

Dirty Hotel or a Five-Star Hotel?

A messy hotel, like the one with room 521, might raise more immediate concerns compared to a five-star hotel with immaculate cleanliness. Nevertheless, both environments pose potential risks, especially during a pandemic. Dirty or clean rooms do not always ensure the absence of pathogens, as the presence of masks, hand hygiene, and overall hygiene practices can mitigate risks. In the article you mentioned, the likelihood of getting sick in such an environment is highly conditional and cannot be ruled out. Therefore, the answer is yes - you could get sick in a messy hotel or even in a high-end, white-glove clean hotel. It's crucial to maintain personal hygiene and distance in any setting.

Observations and Concerns

Recently, I noticed a cafe employee struggling with his mask. The mask was twisted and hanging on one ear, and it seemed that the employee was not fully focused. Both sides of the mask were white but stained. After a brief moment, the employee adjusted the mask and if he did wash his hands, it was barely noticeable. This observation concerns me, especially considering the importance of proper mask-wearing and hand hygiene in preventing the spread of pathogens.

Another cafe near my house faces similar issues. Employees have sometimes inserted their fingers into disposable cups after handling money. This practice is disheartening and raises concerns about the overall hygiene and health standards of the establishment.

My personal experience during a partial shutdown further amplifies these concerns. Just before the shutdown, I started to get a sore throat during lunch. My supervisor allowed me to go home, but instead of going straight home, I stopped at a food court, ordered soup while wearing a mask, and had the employee handle a paper bowl. When the employee put his fingers inside the edge of the paper bowl, I requested a new bowl. Although the employee was initially upset, he complied. Since then, I have been checking the health scores of restaurants and prefer those with high scores. Even so, some restaurants have issues with inadequate handwashing facilities, which is concerning.

Conclusion

The proper handling of masks and adherence to hygiene practices are paramount in preventing the spread of pathogens, whether in a dirty hotel or a cafe. While cleanliness is a significant factor, it is not the only determinant of health and safety. Staying informed about hygiene practices, following health guidelines, and taking personal precautions are crucial steps to mitigate the risk of infection.