Those in the know say oft-frequented locker rooms have a character all of their own. However, Los Angeles Times was more inclined to compare them to giant petri dishes on June 12, 2020. We reached for our thesaurus. We discovered petri dishes are shallow, transparent, contained spaces where biologists culture bacteria and fungi. Does this mean locker rooms could become a thing of the past?
Potential Spread Could Make Locker Rooms Past History
We’ll skip over the details Los Angeles Times staff writer David Wharton describes. We are keener to know whether hospital-grade disinfectants and outdoor lockers could save the day for these iconic places. Would separating players into small groups prevent them becoming a thing of the past?
Large clubs may be able to afford edgy solutions, but David Wharton says the situation is different at high schools. Perhaps some will close their locker rooms completely. Have the kids arrive all togged up and expect them to shower at home after games. We’re unsure coaches will find a replacement for locker room culture.
However, Touch Points Would Still Prove a Problem Regardless
Locker rooms have survived thus far, despite being breeding grounds for athlete’s foot and more serious staph infections. However, COVID-19 is a whole different ball game, says Armand Dorian, associate medical professor at University of Southern California.
He uses the phrase ‘time, space, people, place’ for collective time spent before and after games. The players themselves are young, healthy and will likely survive. However, the same cannot be said for all sports coaches and ground staff.
Los Angeles Times staff writer David Wharton says we need to start treating locker rooms like family bathrooms, at the very least. And that means cleaned and disinfected regularly. Our locker rooms could become lost in the past if we do not do that. And a piece of history could be gone forever.
Related
Disinfecting Work Space When Returning
CDC Considerations for Reopening Schools
Preview Image: Petri Dish During 2012 Peanut Butter Recall
