Hoarding won’t help, but washing your hands will
Is it really as simple as washing your hands? Well, sort of. The coronavirus pandemic has had a global impact within a matter of months—people have been in a panic: hoarding goods, going into lockdown, and cancelling some of the world’s biggest events. But while the virus has been affecting nearly all aspects of ordinary life, it seems that what we are recommended to do is simple enough.
(Related: Pamper Your Hands with These Nourishing and Aromatic Hand Soaps)
1. Wash your hands
It’s something children all around the globe are taught from the very beginning: wash your hands. But a simple flick of the wrist under a stream of water won’t do. Wash your hands with soap and wash it for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” or your “ABC’s”).
According to researchers from The University of Texas, the coronavirus is surrounded by and protected with a wall of protein (which is also what allows it to enter human cells). What soap does is it helps break down this wall of fat and protein to essentially dismantle the virus particle. But this chemical process needs time to take place, which is why it is recommended to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Virus particles can also get in between folds of skin so always make sure to get the palms, in between fingers, and under the nails.
Most soaps will be effective in dismantling the coronavirus, but feel free to use antibacterial soaps should you so wish. Within the Covid-19 outbreak context, please be mindful to wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Other times include: after visiting a public place, after touching surfaces outside your home (including money), before and after caring for a sick person, after using the toilet, and after handling garbage.
It is also important to remember that while hand sanitisers and alcohol are also effective in dismantling the virus on our hands, these must be at least 60 per cent alcohol-based and must be used in conjunction with the 20-second rule.