We bet you're still washing your hands wrong after 2 years of COVID; Correct hand washing techniques to follow

The smallest of things can make an enormous difference in our life. Similarly, hand washing is one such simple yet effective procedure that guards us against many health-related issues. The emergence of COVID-19 has taught us unforgettable lessons in maintaining hand hygiene and there was a positive aspect to it. Thanks to the barrage of campaigns that promote handwashing, it has accelerated more than ten years of behavioral change in hygiene and sanitation.

Frequently washing hands can prevent many gastrointestinal diseases and respiratory infections such as cold or the common flu. It kills germs that transmit infections from person to person. Still, you would be surprised by how many of us still have it wrong. Amit Konlade, leader global SCM, SATO, rolls out a quick checklist to ensure that you are following the complete handwashing technique.

1. Wet your hands with clean water, rub soap and lather your hands. Ensure that your hands are covered with lather up to your wrists
2. Clean the back of each hand with the palm of the other hand
3. Scrub between fingers by interlacing your fingers and rubbing back and forth
4. Clean the back of your fingers by rubbing your interlocked fingers into your palm for both hands
5. Do not forget the thumb! Clean each thumb by grabbing it with the other hand and rubbing it up and down
6. Rub your fingertips into the palm of your opposite hand and repeat for the other hand as well
7. Wash each wrist with your opposite hand
8. Rinse and dry hands with a clean, dry towel

• After using the washroom
• After returning from outside
• Before and after eating your food
• Before and after preparing the food
• Before and after helping sick people
• Before contacting your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Before and after changing diapers or cleaning your child
• After touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles, shopping carts, tables, or electronic devices.
• After touching your face mask or eye protector
• After touching any animal or pet
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After handling waste and garbage

While many of us are fortunate to have dedicated spaces to wash our hands, some farfetched local communities in rural India lack access to them and even are unaware of the benefits. The NSS survey of 2019 found that 70% of rural Indians wash their hands with water without soap and in the urban area, 42% of people do the same.

However, in the wake of the need, awareness drives and initiatives to promote the correct measures to wash your hands should be organised. It is imperative to raise awareness of the importance of hygiene practices. Other than awareness, making affordable sanitation and hygiene products affordable and accessible should be taken care of.