Frequent and thorough hand washing is one of the best ways to stay safe from COVID-19

What is the best way to wash hands properly?

• Step 1: Wet hands with running water
• Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands
• Step 3: Scrub all surfaces of the hands – including back of hands, thumbs, between fingers and under nails – for at least 20 seconds.
• Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water
• Step 5: Dry hands with a clean cloth or single-use towel

Wash your hands often, especially before eating; after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and going to the bathroom. Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer kills viruses that may be on hands.

Any form of soap or detergent will do. It does not have to be an expensive brand, nor does it have to be marked "antibacterial".  

What if people don’t have soap?

If people do not have soap, detergent or hand sanitiser available, then use chlorinated water. If this is not available, then using ash may help clean hands but not as effectively.  If this method is used, it is important to wash your hands as soon as possible when you do have access to handwashing facilities and avoid contact with people and surfaces in the meantime.