Hand Hygiene
Reducing cross-transmission of infection through proper hand hygiene.
Since COVID-19 became a pandemic, people everywhere have become much more mindful of the need for proper hand hygiene. The evidence is undisputed that strict adherence to hand hygiene reduces the risk of cross-transmission of infections. It is one of the most important elements of infection control. Amazingly, it was only discovered in the mid-nineteenth century that handwashing could inhibit the spread of disease.
Understanding How Germs Spread
Germs can spread directly from other people or from surfaces when you:
Make it a habit and teach it to your children: Always wash your hands when you enter your home
When to Wash Hands
Handwashing throughout the day is important, and even more so during an outbreak, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. Always remember to wash hands in these situations:
How to Wash Hands Correctly
Wet hands with clean, running water (preferably warm), turn off tap, apply soap
Never wash hands in a pan of water; it must be running water
Lather hands by rubbing them together with soap
Backs of hands, between fingers, under nails
Friction of rubbing helps loosen germs and debris
Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds, about the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” song twice
Rinse hands well under clean, running water
Turn off tap with paper towel to prevent re-contaminating clean hands
