Cleans Hands, Healthy Community.
Practicing hand hygiene is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of germs. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to infect thousands of people each day, it’s become even more important to keep your hands clean to prevent the spread of germs. Plus, there’s no better time to brush up on your handwashing skills because the week of December 1 – 7 is National Handwashing Awareness Week!
How should you clean your hands?
The best way to properly clean your hands is with soap and water.
A quick step-by-step:
- Wet your hands with warm water. Use liquid soap if possible.
- Rub your hands together until the soap forms a lather and then rub all over the top of your hands, in between your fingers and the area around and under the fingernails. Scrub for at least 15 seconds! Imagine singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice!
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a paper towel if possible. Then use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door if needed.
How does handwashing help combat the COVID-19 pandemic?
Since soap and water, when lathered together, trap and remove germs and chemicals from your hands, it’s one of the best ways to combat the spread of the virus and to help prevent you from getting sick. The key? Lathering with soap and scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds—since the physical handwashing process is what destroys the germs!
When should you clean your hands?
Good hand hygiene is the first line of defense against harmful bacteria or germs. So, establishing a good routine—for home and away—will give you the best possible chance of staying healthy this winter.
You should always wash your hands:
- Before preparing or eating food.
- Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Before and after changing wound dressings or bandages.
- After using the restroom.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching public surfaces such as doorknobs, remote control/phone in hotel rooms.
Pro-tip: If you don’t have access to clean water and soap, use an alcoholic-based hand sanitizer to protect yourself.
Where should I go if I do get sick and info about COVID-19?
Even the best hand-washers sometimes catch a virus or cold that may need the expertise of a medical professional to help heal. If you need more information about COVID-19 or how to best protect yourself from contracting the virus, learn more here.