Hug Curtains Are The New Trend, But Are They Safe?

People are making "hug curtains" so they can embrace their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic, but are they a good idea? A young girl in Riverside, California has gone viral after her creating a "hug curtain" so she could embrace her grandmother and grandfather during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to KABC News, 10-year-old Paige Okray saw a video online of people using a blanket to hug family members and came up with her idea. Paige used a shower curtain, Ziploc bags, disposable plates, a hot glue gun and several hours of work to finish her creation. From there, Paige and her mother Lindsay were able to drive to Paige's grandparents house where she could hug them for the first time in months. Her mother posted the photos and video on Facebook where they went viral. Paige's idea and story went viral, with many wishing they could hug their loved ones as well. Since then, others online have been recreating her design so they can hug socially distanced loved ones as well. The idea does seem safer than hugging with no protection, but how safe is it to make and use a hug curtain to embrace loved ones?

Houston Health Authority and Medical Director Dr. David Persse was interviewed by KHOU News about the safety of the trendy hug curtains. Dr. Persse said that he did sympathize with people who want to hug their loved ones, but said it still isn't safe yet to do it.

"A shower curtain hug, while creative, unfortunately, does not offer the level of protection needed to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Although I understand the concept, a shower curtain is not personal protective equipment and using it as such includes the potential for exposure."

He finished by emphasizing that there is no adequate substitute for the social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and wearing a face covering.