[confeit]

Since at least 2011, the Dutch test wastewater of cities for traces of drugs, such as cocaine and XTC, and use this to inform public policy.

Already in 2009 it was known that coronaviruses can survive and remain infectuous in sewage water for up to two weeks.

Early covid wastewater research mostly focuses on waste water and stool as a possible infection vector, and in March 3rd the WHO suggested that COVID patients use their own toilet, to avoid spread through aerosolization during flushing, and to increase chlorination efforts of sewage systems.

From the first outbreak of SARS-CoV, it was found that apartment plumbing can be an infection vector, and due to this, in Hong Kong, people suggest closing the toilet lid before flushing.

[war1025]

> people suggest closing the toilet lid before flushing

I was taught to always close the lid if you weren't actively using the toilet.

It always weirds me out a bit that the majority of people leave the lid up. What's the point of having a lid if you're not going to use it?

[pvaldes]

> I was taught to always close the lid if you weren't actively using the toilet.

The difference here is in: close the lid before flushing

[war1025]

Well I was taught to do it in one motion. One hand closes the lid and the other pushes the flusher. So it is closed by the time things start spraying around.

[mygo]

But if it’s closed then how do you know everything went down? I’ve had some double flushers in my day.

[aaron695]

There's no evidence commonly presented the lid does anything health related.

Touching the toilet is considered bad.

That's the reason please don't.

I guess people consider the lid aesthetic.

[laGrenouille]

Not just aesthetic! It also turns the toilet into a seat. Useful for various activities such as dealing with young kids and pets.