Handwashing & Hand Sanitizer

Be Aware, Wash with Care

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of germs. Washing your hands regularly will protect you and your family from respiratory and diarrheal infections that can spread from person to person or from touching surfaces. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important that you wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, as this is how germs enter our bodies.

Key Times to Wash Hands:

Before and after eating
After touching an item or surface that may be frequently touched by other people (i.e. door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts, electronic cashier registers/ screens)
After using the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching garbage
After getting home from being outside
After being in public spaces
After handling pet food or pet treat
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
Before and after treating a cut or wound
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick

For Effective Hand Washing:

Wet your hands with clean, running water. Apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

When you don’t have access to soap and water, it is safe to use hand sanitizer. For an effective hand sanitizer, look for those that contain at least 60% alcohol. You can check the alcohol % by looking at the product label.

Although sanitizers reduce the number of germs on your hands, they do not get rid of all types of germs. Remember that hand washing is the best way to get rid of germs.

To Use Hand Sanitizer:

Apply the sanitizer to the palm of your hand.
Rub your hands together.
Rub the gel over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take about 20 seconds.