How to wash your hands
The steps in hand washing should take about 30 seconds, where 20 seconds is for washing with soap while 10 seconds is for rinsing. Steps in hand washing include:
Step 1: wet your hands and apply soap.
Step 2: Rub your palm together.
Step 3: Rub the back of each hand.
Step 4: Rub both hands while interlocking your finger the goal is to wash properly in-between your finger.
Step 5: Strongly scrub your wrist.
Step 6: Scrub under your nails.
Step 7: Rinse thoroughly with running water.
Step 8: Dry your hands using a neat dry towel.
Step 9: Turn of tap with towel.
Importance of hand washing
- Hand washing is the first line of defence against germs.
- It prevents illnesses and spread of diseases to others.
- Hand washing helps battle the rise in antibiotic resistance.
- Interrupt transmission of viruses or other pathogens
When should you wash your hands?
- After using the toilet.
- Before and after eating.
- After handling garbage.
- After touching animals and pets.
- After changing babies’ diapers or helping children use the toilet.
- When your hands are visibly dirty.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- After visiting a public space, including public transportation, markets and places of worship.
- After touching surfaces outside of the home, including money.
- Before, during and after caring for or visiting a sick person.
- Before and after touching your masks.
- Treating wounds of patients.
- After cleaning around the house.