Hand hygiene facts to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus

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Current location and language options: (EN)

Help Stop the Spread

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When to wash

Hand hygiene is key. It is important to wash your hands³:

  • Whenever you touch something that may be contaminated
  • If you touch someone who is sick with COVID-19
  • After you use the bathroom
  • Before eating, and before, during and after preparing food
  • After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
  • Before and after tending to a sick person, or a baby

Why you need at least 20 seconds to wash your hands?

This advice is in the interest of public health and is ONLY intended for educational purposes.

References:

1.       WebMD. The Power of Hand-Washing to Prevent Coronavirus. 2020 [internet]. 06/03/2020. Retrieved 18/03/2020. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200306/power-of-hand-washing-to-prevent-coronavirus

2.       NSW Government. Health. Infectious Diseases. COVID-19- Frequently Asked Questions. 2020 [internet]. ]. Updated 18/03/2020, retrieved 18/03/2020. Available from: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/alerts/Pages/coronavirus-faqs.aspx#1-3

3.       CDC. Handwashing. When and how to wash your hands. 2019 [internet]. Last reviewed 03/10/2019, retrieved 18/03/2020. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

4.       Tarun J, Susan J, Suria J, Susan VJ, Criton S. Evaluation of pH of bathing soaps and shampoos for skin and hair care. Indian J Dermatol 2014;59(5):442-444

5.       Lambers H, Piessens S, Bloem A, Pronk H, Finkel P. Natural skin surface pH is on average below 5, which is beneficial for its resident flora. Int J Cosmet Sci 2006;28(5):359-70