Noida Kids’ Toothpick Hack Lets People Minimize Physical Contact In Elevators Amid COVID-19

The easiest and most effective precaution we can take against the global coronavirus pandemic is the #SafeHandsChallenge i.e cleaning our hands with soap and water to prevent infection. In addition, we can disinfect electronic devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc) and maintain hygiene by washing bed linen and cleaning other surfaces around our homes.

But what about the common areas in our apartment buildings that can be breeding ground for the virus? Students in Noida have stepped up and found a hack for one of those – elevator buttons.

Essentially, they stuck a piece of thermocol with tape near the panel and inserted toothpicks into it. Furthermore, they taped a note with instructions and a small trash bin made out of an old plastic bottle.

❤️ THIS
Kids in Noida, India, stick a small container full of toothpicks with a small trash bin next to elevator buttons and encourage their high-rise neighbors to not touch floor buttons with their fingers. Simple, eco-friendly and very much a #coronavirus #jugaad 🙏🏾👏🏾👊🏾 pic.twitter.com/IVpbbAecOT

— Raju Narisetti (@raju) March 18, 2020

This idea lets people avoid touching the buttons and has been replicated in many parts of the world. Here it is in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IFLPb0ygUs

Some people lauded the kids’ resourcefulness while others suggested alternatives like pens, keys, and elbows.

Wow. Amazing idea from the young innovative minds.

— Mrityunjay (@Mrityunjaynse) March 19, 2020

No effort is Small. Kudos to these kids for their contribution in fighting the menace of Covid-19. This is a great example of Creativity at its best.

— Alok gupta🇮🇳 (@alokg2k) March 19, 2020

Very nice idea sir. Good initiative 👌

— Dr.Deepa Sharma (@deepadoc) March 19, 2020

Idea copied from South Korea. Not sustainable idea. Too many tooth picks will be wasted when you can use pen/mobile/knuckle to press button.

— Green Tea (@i_Anand_) March 19, 2020

What an absolute waste of Tooth picks

— Shyam Bond (@shyambond) March 19, 2020

If someone sneezes on the toothpick pad– whole idea goes for a six

— bss2661🇮🇳 (@bss2661) March 19, 2020

According to Business Standard, the country has banned all international commercial passenger flights for a week as confirmed cases rise to 173 with the 4th COVID-19 related death being reported by the Health Ministry.

We urge everyone to stay indoors and practice social distancing to contain the outbreak. Stay alert, stay safe.

Cover Image Source – left, right