I use a paper towel to turn the handle to get out of the washroom too. I only throw it away after I leave the washroom. I even use it on the handles on the water fountain right outside the restroom. I’ve seen too many idiots who don’t bother to wash their hands. Obviously I can’t use a paper towel all the time. But when I leave the restroom, I get a little paranoid about Mister E-coli.
Why don’t they make public restroom doors that you PUSH to exit? Almost all of them in fast food places, etc. are PUSH to enter, PULL to exit. PUSH to exit would allow you to exit without touching the door handle with your hands. (Doesn’t apply to doors that “latch, of course.)