Coronavirus: Doctor warns of another health concern as closed businesses reopen

DAYTON — As businesses re-open in Ohio, doctors are warning about another danger lurking in untouched water systems.

“We don’t need any other respiratory infections right now,” Dr. Steven Burdette, the medical director of infection control at Miami Valley Hospital said.

He said businesses that have been closed for at least two weeks need to flush their pipes for at least five minutes.

“Standing water can have issues with something called legionella or legionnaires disease,” Burdette said.

He said legionnaires disease can cause pneumonia, shortness of breath, high fevers, intestinal issues, and confusion.

The owner of Square One Salon and Spa said his team is preparing to re-open Friday. Preparations include running water at every pedicure station, sink, and anywhere else with a faucet.

“We have been busy the last couple of days,” Brent Johnson, Square One Salon and Spa owner said.

His employees have new policies in place to keep customers and staff safe during the COVID-19 Pandemic. They will be practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing stations before and after every customer.

This is something Dr. Brudette said will be important once stores re-open. He said store leaders need to be particularly mindful of wiping down commonly touched surfaces.

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