World Hand Hygiene Day is celebrated on 5th May every year. The day marks the importance of handwashing as one of the most important ways of preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The novel coronavirus pandemic has changed the entire face of normal life.
The yet so simple act of washing hands with water and soap for 20 seconds can actually save lives. This year the World Hand Hygiene Day is celebrated as “The Year of the Nurse and the Midwives.” The day is to honour the contributions of our doctors, nurses and midwives, who are frontline in this battle against the pandemic.
The proper way of washing our hands
As the whole world is fighting against the novel pandemic, it is our duty to practice proper hand hygiene to contain the spread of the virus.
Here is Doctors suggested handwash guideline:
1. Wash your hands in running water with soap for at least 20 seconds.
2. Clean the back of your hands, in between your fingers and your wrists and nail beds with soap properly.
3. Rub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. After you are done with rubbing, wash your hands properly with clean water.
5. After washing your hands, make sure to dry them with either air-dry or clean towel or a tissue paper.
When it is important to wash your hands:
1.Before and after cooking and eating anything.
2. After sneezing or coughing
3.When you come home from outside
4. After touching garbage
5. After using the toilet