As we continue to work to slow the spread of COVID-19, taking care of our overall health, social distancing and wearing cloth masks continue to be important. But one of the most impactful things each and every one of us can do to keep ourselves and others safe is washing our hands, frequently and thoroughly.
Follow these helpful guidelines, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How germs spread
Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:
- Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
- Touch a contaminated surface or objects
- Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects
Key times to wash hands
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
Five steps to wash your hands the right way
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.
Follow these five steps every time.
1.Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2.Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3.Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4.Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5.Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
You can also find guidance how to properly use hand sanitizer on the CDC website.
