Taking place on Saturday 15 October, Global Hand Washing Day is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Regular hand washing with soap and water remains an essential part of good hygiene and helps prevent the spread of COVID-19, as well as other winter illnesses such as colds, flu and stomach bugs.
Hands should be washed with warm water and liquid soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying them thoroughly. If soap and water are not available, people should use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Good hand hygiene is fundamental in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and is simple and easy to do.
“However, COVID-19 isn’t the only illness that can be avoided with hand washing –it can also help protect us from other unpleasant illnesses such as colds, flu and stomach bugs, which can spread quickly during the winter months.
“We touch countless surfaces every day, whether that’s door handles, petrol pumps, surfaces or items in shops. Washing your hands regularly with antibacterial soap removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to objects and other people, especially more vulnerable members of the community.
“Global Hand Washing Day is the perfect opportunity for everyone to reflect on the part we all play in preventing the spread of infections, to help protect ourselves and others from getting ill this winter.”
To help raise awareness, local NHS workers have created a fun and interactive sing-along video to demonstrate how to clean your hands. To watch the video on YouTube, click here.
