Global Handwashing Day 2020

 

Global Handwashing Day is held every year on the 15th October and is dedicated to increasing awareness around handwashing.  Understanding the importance of handwashing with soap is an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases, as we all know that handwashing save lives and has never been more important than it is today with with us being in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 80% of communicable diseases are transferred by touch alone, hence why is so important that we preform handwashing properly, as this can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to help you avoid getting sick.

 

As you touch surfaces, people and objects throughout the day, you start to accumulate germs on your hands that are invisible to the human eye but are nevertheless lurking there and ready be transferred to the next object, person or surface that you touch.  You can help yourself and others stay healthy and safe by washing your hands often, especially at times when you are more likely to spread these germs to other people.

 

In addition, do not forget hand sanitiser too!  This is a highly effective, but more gentle approach to hand sanitation and germ killer that you can rub into your hands between hand washes, or when you do not have access to warm water and soap.  And with the current range of small hand sanitiser bottles that are available in any supermarket it has never been so easy to keep one in your handbag or pocket, so you always have easy access to it.

 

Below Cristina, our IPC Lead demonstrates the correct technique for both handwashing and using hand sanitiser.

 

 

 

 

Remember:  Preventing the spread of microorganisms and diseases such as COVID-19 is in your hands!

 

To learn more on Global Handwashing Day 2020, click here

 

To learn more on the measures One Ashford Hospital has taken to ensure it remains COVID-19 secure, click here.