We have all been doing it for months and it can and does pay off: washing our hands.

And each year on Oct. 15, Global Handwashing Day advocates for how a simple and inexpensive action – handwashing with soap and water – can stop the spread of colds, cases of flu, and other infectious diseases. This year, due to the coronavirus, the international day has taken on new-found prominence.

New Survey

According to the Healthy Handwashing Survey conducted by Bradley Corp. in the midst of the pandemic, the vast majority of Americans believe it’s important to have touchless fixtures in restrooms.

Health experts like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have long shared the health benefits of handwashing with soap and water to guard against disease-causing organisms. During this pandemic, proper hand hygiene – along with other measures like social distancing and mask-wearing – can’t be emphasized enough in a high-touch world, according to a news release.

While everyone at every age is susceptible to COVID-19, the elderly and those with preexisting conditions are especially vulnerable. Worldwide, diarrhea and pneumonia are the leading causes of death for children under the age of five, according to the Global Handwashing Partnership.

“No matter your age, health situation or where you live, diligently washing your hands with soap and water is among the best sickness-countering measures you can take to protect yourself and those around you,” said Jon Dommisse, director of strategy and corporate development for Bradley Corp. in the news release.”Vigorous and thorough handwashing needs to be a priority now and in the future.”

Universal Theme

This year’s theme of Global Handwashing Day, Hand Hygiene for All, calls for universal hand hygiene to beat the virus today and ensure better health outcomes beyond the pandemic. “This day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times,” the Global Handwashing Partnership added. “After all, this simple behavior can save lives. For children, handwashing can cut diarrhea by almost one-half and acute respiratory infections by nearly one-quarter.”

On a positive note, research shows the majority of Americans are following the CDC’s guidelines to wash with soap for 20 seconds. According to the survey, 90% of Americans said they are washing their hands more frequently or more thoroughly or longer and 78% are washing their hands six or more times a day. That’s compared to just 37% who washed up that often before the outbreak.

Also, 77% are washing their hands for at least 20 seconds or longer. Before the outbreak, 57% estimated they washed for just five to 15 seconds.

In a similar study of high school students, 94% believe it is important to wash their hands to protect themselves from coronavirus and 76% correctly believe washing their hands with soap and water is more effective at removing germs than hand sanitizer. Further, 55% are now washing their hands six or more times a day compared to just 25% who were washing that frequently before the outbreak.

“Our research also found that the majority of Americans plan to continue their elevated handwashing habits,” Dommisse said. “88% of adults and 73% of high school students believe they are very likely to maintain their increased handwashing regimen after the pandemic.

“Global Handwashing Day is a great reminder for businesses, schools, and other establishments to ensure they are providing clean and well-maintained facilities that promote thorough handwashing. Touchless fixtures are one element that can help minimize cross-contamination in restrooms. In fact, 91% of Americans believe it’s important that restrooms have touchless fixtures.”

Source: Bradley Corp.