The proper way to wash your hands

By Erin Tucker

We’re all living in a new reality that’s for sure! I’m referring of course to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As we’ve been urged and encouraged, it's important for all of us to take care of ourselves and support one another until this passes. 

Since government has advised the public not to gather in groups larger than 10 and make only absolutely necessary trips out for food, prescriptions, gas or medical attention, we’re all probably spending a lot more time at home.

In light of that, we’ll be posting a bit more frequently, sharing useful tips and perhaps a suggestion or two to help you pass the time.

As you heard and read over and over again, one of the most effective preventatives is washing your hands. But as you’ve also been couseled, you need to not only do it often, and you have to do a thorough job if it.

Here’s the hand-washing technique that health care professionals are taught to use:

1. Wet your hands using warm, running water.
2. Add soap.
3. During the hand washing process, rub your hands vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds, making lots of lather while  paying special attention to the backs of your hands, wrists, in between your fingers and underneath your fingernails. 
4. Rinse well while leaving the water running.
5. With the water continuing to run, use a single-use towel and pat your hands dry.
6. Turn off the water faucet using the paper towel covering your clean hands.
7. If you have to operate a door knob to leave the room where you’ve just washed your hands, use the paper towel to turn the knob.

We’ll be back again with you soon. In the meantime, keep your spirits up and your hands washed.

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