Porta Potty Rental & COVID-19

We are living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the globe, leaving change in its wake. Because the virus is so contagious, social distancing practices are still the most reliable way to prevent the spread. With no real end in sight yet, the rest of this year is going to look different than planned: collective events such as festivals and concerts are being cancelled or postponed, businesses are sending their employees to work from home, and others are temporarily shutting their doors. Here in New York State, essential services are still operating and adhering to CDC guidelines in order to keep employees and customers safe.

COVID-19 Adds New Challenges to Old Practices

While many of us are quarantined or working from home, essential workers such as construction workers, septic workers, technicians, and road maintenance crews are still hard at work. Job sites tend to use porta potties as a convenient way to adhere to legal restroom requirements; however, COVID-19 has added new challenges to old practices. While crews are implementing social distancing practices as necessary, it is not always possible to remain six feet away from coworkers. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom and before touching your face; however, porta potties don't always have that option. These challenges require project managers and workers to find creative fixes. 

Adapting Porta Potty Use to COVID-19

If you still have concerns about using portable toilets in the age of COVID-19, continue to adhere to best practices when you use one in the future. While adequate hand washing stations are not always on hand, making hand sanitizer available for anyone who must use a porta potty is imperative to slowing the spread of the virus. The CDC advises that alcohol-based sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol are the next best thing to soap and water. Practice appropriate social distancing when waiting to use a porta potty; stand at least six feet away while someone else is using the facilities and be sure you clean your hands thoroughly after concluding your use. As always, avoid touching your face unless your hands are clean. If you are hosting a necessary event or managing a job site that requires porta potties, consider implementing new rules regarding their use - or bringing in more units or even restroom trailers to make it easier for workers to continue to keep their distance from one another. Regular professional cleaning will keep units safe for use, though it's important to note that the virus spreads most quickly from human to human rather than from touching surfaces. 

Above All Else, Remain Calm

Above all, it's vital to remain calm during this time. As we do our parts to flatten the curve, the rate of infection slows and we can slowly get the virus under control. Adhering to social distancing practices at all times, even when using porta potties, will continue to slow the spread of the virus. At Mountain Top Portable Toilets and Septic Service, we adhere to all CDC guidelines as we continue to provide essential services to the greater Albany, NY area. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we are adapting our services to the times.