Disease spread can be limited by correct hand washing techniques
Chris Whieldon
Designer and manufacturer of portable handwash units for medical facilities, catering, motor vehicles, care homes and home care, the beauty industry and schools and nurseries.
Handwashing works most effectively when done properly
Health organisations around the globe are increasingly vociferous in their efforts to get people to “engage in basic protective measures” to help limit the spread of coronavirus – also known as covid-19 – according to a recent report on the Independent website.
Article author Chelsea Ritschel refers to recent guidance from two leading sources of relevant information, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The core of her article is the simple fact that hand washing, if not undertaken well, will provide only a limited benefit.
Soap and water is preferable
Hand washing is vital the grounds that germs are “easily transferred” from, for example, tables and handrails.
“When you wash your hands with soap and water, respiratory illnesses like coronavirus or colds are reduced in the general population by 16 to 21 per cent, with WHO stating that washing your hands “eliminates the virus if it is on your hands.'”
The CDC suggests a five step “wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry” approach for a wash that should take place for at least 20 seconds to be fully effective, says the report. It should take place “especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing”.