Proper Handwashing
COVID-19 is a viral infection that spreads by respiratory droplets or contact. It can live on surfaces from a few hours to several days. Contact spread occurs when your hands touch a contaminated surface and then you touch your mouth, eyes or nose. Washing your hands properly for at least 20 seconds helps kill the coronavirus and is the most important step in preventing the spread from one person to another.
It is recommended you and your children wash your hands frequently. Be sure to wash after touching surfaces, after going to the bathroom, before eating, and before and after putting on a mask. Set a good example for children and express the importance of clean hands, especially while around other kids at school.
Steps to Ensure Proper Handwashing
Step 1: Turn on faucet, wet hands and apply soap
Step 1: Turn on faucet, wet hands and apply soap
Step 2: Apply soap to palms
Step 2: Apply soap to palms
Step 3: Scrub back of hands
Step 3: Scrub back of hands
Step 4: Scrub between fingers
Step 4: Scrub between fingers
Step 5: Wash fingertips
Step 5: Wash fingertips
Step 6: Wash thumbs
Step 6: Wash thumbs
Step 7: Scrub wrists
Step 7: Scrub wrists
Step 8: Rinse and dry with paper towel. Turn off faucet using the towel.
Step 8: Rinse and dry with paper towel. Turn off faucet using the towel.
Proper Handwashing Guides
Download our Proper Handwashing Guide for step-by-step instructions on how to wash hands correctly.
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