Hand hygiene message from Shropshire health bosses
The importance of hand-washing during the coronavirus pandemic is being highlighted by health bosses in Shropshire as part of World Hand Hygiene Day.
The event, which takes place on Tuesday, is a global initiative to bring people together to improve hand hygiene around the world.
Bosses at Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups, which buy health services for people in the county, are reminding people that regular and effective hand hygiene is the single most important thing people can do to protect themselves and others from infection during the coronavirus outbreak.
More Covid-19 coverage:
Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them from spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses.
Dr Julian Povey, chair of Shropshire CCG and local GP, said: “World Hand Hygiene Day is a great reminder to us all – whether we work in healthcare or are at home during the lock down – to keep washing our hands regularly.
"If we don’t wash our hands, we could be responsible for spreading coronavirus.”
Dr Jo Leahy, chair of Telford and Wrekin CCG and local GP, added: “It is vital that we all remember to keep washing our hands and to do so for at least 20 seconds – about the time it takes to sing ‘Happy Birthday to You’ twice.
"Use soap and water or a hand sanitizer as soon as you get home or into work, also after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, and eating or handling food.
"Simply remembering to do this will help to stop the spread of infection, save lives and protect the NHS.”
Find out more at nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/best-way-to-wash-your-hands
