After the recent lifting of several sanitary measures, some experts and traders are now questioning the relevance of keeping hand sanitizers in all public spaces.
“I have been saying this for several months. We should start taking a break from the famous gels in the entrances to stores, restaurants or businesses, ”says Benoit Barbeau, virologist and professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal.
Indeed, this measure had been put in place at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we did not know how the virus was transmitted.
Although the virus has also been reported to survive on surfaces for some time, the risk of infection from such contacts is low, said Christian Jacob, president of the Association des microbiologistes du Québec.
Scientists have determined that COVID-19 is transmitted primarily through droplets in the air.
Lack of knowledge, “was itoverkill [exagération] what we did at the start of the pandemic? Most definitely,” he says.
“Today, would it still be necessary to do so? Certainly not at the same level”, specifies Mr. Jacob.
Weathered Patience
After two years of health crisis, this prevention tool is still recommended and encouraged by Public Health. But are disinfectants still relevant?
Among merchants on Laurier Avenue in Montreal, opinions are mixed.
“Not at all!” exclaims Chantal Grenier, manager at the Bo-Bec dairy. [Les clients] don’t touch anything. They tell us their order […] and squarely grab their cornet. »
David Rogers, owner of a handcrafted leather goods store that bears his name, estimates that about one in three or four customers sanitize their hands.
“I keep it because it’s the way of life,” he says.
The workers met by The newspaper want to follow the recommendations of the authorities as long as the pandemic continues.
“As owners, we are still here. We still have to respect the rules, such as disinfectants, distance, masks, ”underlines Amanda Ragone, owner of Bistro Roccella.
Harmful, but…
At the same time, these products tend to cause adverse reactions in some people, experts say.
“There are people who tolerate very little alcohol or other derivatives that are present in these gels. The dermis [une couche de la peau] is also affected,” explains Benoit Barbeau.
However, disinfectants can be useful to counter the flu or even gastro.
“These diseases have a portion of transmission that is indirect. Getting into the habit of washing your hands when you’re sick is a good idea,” concludes Christian Jacob.