Is there any minimally-weird, non-awkward way to handle public door handles and buttons? Using your sleeve is terrible, because you don’t wash your sleeve several times a day, and the virus can survive until your next clothing wash. Some sort of small but sturdy copper/bronze manipulator that could be put in a copper-lined case in your pocket, maybe?
*Follow-up edit 2y later*: It turned out that surfaces weren’t a big infection danger, just like EGI said. I also found a kickstarted L-shaped brass manipulator. I put it on my lanyard for work, and have been using it to push publicly-used buttons and open doors. I haven’t gotten covid yet.
You can use a paper towel (in the bathroom) or a tissue if you have a nearby source of them. I think using your sleeve (for door handles) or your knuckle (for buttons) is still better than using your hand, because you are much less likely to use your knuckle/sleeve to later touch your face / keyboard / phone. (However, using your hand seems better than using your sleeve if you are about to wash or sanitize your hands.)
I considered that, but I touch all kinds of surfaces that are 0-2 degrees separate from my mucous membranes with my knuckles: the insides of my pockets, the palm of my other hand, my chin, etc.
You could just use your hands and wash/desinfect afterwards before touching your face. The virus cannot penetrate your skin and even lacerations are probably safe, since the target cells are in your nose/lungs.
Is there any minimally-weird, non-awkward way to handle public door handles and buttons? Using your sleeve is terrible, because you don’t wash your sleeve several times a day, and the virus can survive until your next clothing wash. Some sort of small but sturdy copper/bronze manipulator that could be put in a copper-lined case in your pocket, maybe?
*Follow-up edit 2y later*: It turned out that surfaces weren’t a big infection danger, just like EGI said. I also found a kickstarted L-shaped brass manipulator. I put it on my lanyard for work, and have been using it to push publicly-used buttons and open doors. I haven’t gotten covid yet.
I wrapped copper tape around a 15 cm wood stick for this purpose. Gloves are also useful.
You can use a paper towel (in the bathroom) or a tissue if you have a nearby source of them. I think using your sleeve (for door handles) or your knuckle (for buttons) is still better than using your hand, because you are much less likely to use your knuckle/sleeve to later touch your face / keyboard / phone. (However, using your hand seems better than using your sleeve if you are about to wash or sanitize your hands.)
I feel pretty OK pushing buttons with my knuckles.
I considered that, but I touch all kinds of surfaces that are 0-2 degrees separate from my mucous membranes with my knuckles: the insides of my pockets, the palm of my other hand, my chin, etc.
You could just use your hands and wash/desinfect afterwards before touching your face. The virus cannot penetrate your skin and even lacerations are probably safe, since the target cells are in your nose/lungs.