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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public space, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face covering. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. It is highly recommended that you always carry and consider using your own sanitizer. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Hand Washing - 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.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations, however:

• Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

• Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. .

Hand Sanitizer - How to use Properly

1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

2. Rub your hands together.

3. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

Here’s another compelling video that demonstrates the handwashing technique of health care professionals commonly called the 7 x 3 Method:

Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene

If you are in a private setting and do not have on your mask/face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.