Outside public picnic tables?

[YellowWave]

Would public picnic tables be a possible exposure source for picking up virus?

Probably not in the sun. But if you are worried paper tablecloths are cheap and easy to dispose of

I think I'd take my chances.

Any surface is a possible source; you have to weigh up the risks. The virus doesn't live for as long on wood as it does on plastic I believe.

I didn't touch a gate/stile for three months but have now started to do so just because I can't sustain that level of care for another few months. I wash my hands when I get home anyway.

When I take DD out, we're just taking a picnic blanket to sit on for lunch just because then I don't have to even wonder about the surface!

The Council placed notices on our park benches asking people to be aware that coronavirus could be on the benches. It can stay on some surfaces up to seven days. If you'd like you use one, you could put a ttowel or paper towels under your containers, and obviously have some sanitizer in case you touch the table or chair.

Has it really taken this virus to become concerned about the state of public picnic tables? I have been taking a little cloth tablecloth out with me for years to use on the tables and I am on the whole pretty relaxed about the germs. They are often grim to say the least.

I think I turned slightly OCD with this virus. I don't press the button on the pedestrianised crossing. I won't be sitting at picnic tables. I would consider sitting on a bench or seat but definitely not a picnic table.

I saw people I know and they would be close contacts pictured on Facebook at a picnic table.

The answer is theoretically. In lab conditions the virus technically can survive on wood BUT in real world scenarios it's highly unlikely to survive, not be damaged at all and you can infected outside because uv kills it. For comparison the r rate without interventions is far lower than chicken pox for instance.

Kitchen wipes are a good idea anyway, the contamination from local birds is more likely to be an issue. Even baby wipes are ok.

Kitchen wipes are a good idea anyway, the contamination from local birds is more likely to be an issue. Even baby wipes are ok.

2019 - Happily eat from picnic table covered in bird muck.

2020 - No longer uses picnic table cos of covid.

I won't be doing anything different this year from any other year, including my Poundland tablecloth.

OP in regards to pressing buttons etc you can get this kind of thing. I saw one in Home Bargains for £2.

www.amazon.com/No-Touch-Opener-Isolation-Without-Sanitizer/dp/B086RSGBH2?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

SAGE has recently spent one of their meetings discussing risks of outdoor surface transmissions. They appear pretty low.

The risk of acquiring virus from infrequently touched outdoor surfaces is Very Low to Negligible with medium uncertainty, particularly if surfaces are exposed to sunshine on a daily basis.
● Surfaces that are frequent touch points such as outer shop door handles, cash machines, outside shutters, door knockers and door bells are likely to be slightly higher risk, i.e. Low with medium uncertainty.

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/899611/s0546-tweg-evidence-wider-environmental-transmission-200612.pdf

My family and I do use outdoor picnic tables.

We sat at one a few weeks ago. We’re all still alive.