The seemingly innocuous smartphone is under scrutiny in Japan, as public health officials warn that it could contribute to the spread of norovirus. Despite washing our hands, we often neglect sanitizing our frequently-touched digital devices, turning them into potential transmitters. Health agencies are now urging the public to regularly clean their smartphones to prevent further virus spread.

In Japan, personal hygiene is a matter of both personal and societal responsibility. News like this one sparks increased sanitation practices not only at personal level, but also at corporations, schools, and other public places. Sanitizing stations for smartphones could be a common sight in offices and schools soon, following this revelation.

Similar concerns exist in the United States and Europe but are less frequently discussed as mainstream news. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in topics such as cleanliness of frequently-touched surfaces including our digital devices, has increased globally.