There’s a lot of fear about the recent spread of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. A lot of the fear is justified, as the exact nature of the virus is unknown, and it appears it can be spread through contact with people who aren’t even showing symptoms.
The fear and panic has led to all sorts of concern. Masks are flying off the shelves. There’s no vaccine available. People are staying home and not going to work. Every sneeze and cough is viewed with suspicion. What can you do to keep yourself safe?
Simple. Wash your hands. A lot.
It helps to wash your hands the right way. Just follow along with these steps, which are recommended by the CDC.
Step 1: Wet your hands with clean, running water
It doesn’t matter if it’s hot, warm, or cold. Just get those hands under a steady stream of water from the sink. After your hands are wet, turn off the tap and apply soap.
Step 2: Lather your hands with the soap.
Get that soap everywhere! On both the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, even under your fingernails.
Step 3: Scrub for at least 20 seconds
This is where most people fail at washing hands. You need to scrub for a solid 20 seconds or more. Try humming Happy Birthday twice to get the timing right.
Step 4: Rinse your hands with clean running water
Turn the faucet back on and rinse your hands completely.
Step 5: Dry your hands
Use a clean towel or an air dryer to dry off your hands.
There you have it. Five simple steps for the perfect hand washing. It’s an important and effective step to preventing the spread of disease, including the coronavirus COVID-19. It’s so important there’s even a Global Handwashing Day: October 15.
