If you do have access to soap and water...
Make sure you wash your hands properly with soap, following these five steps:
1. Wet hands with clean running water, turn off tap and apply soap. Avoid using standing water in a basin, which may possibly be contaminated through previous use.
2. Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. It creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease and disease-causing germs from the skin.
3. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Don’t know how long this is? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse hands well under clean running water.
5. Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them. Germs can be transferred more easily to and from wet hands.
Washing your hands is one of the best ways for you and your family to avoid getting ill.
Wash your hands often, especially:
• Before, during, and after preparing food;
• Before eating;
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick;
• Before and after treating a cut or wound;
• After using the toilet;
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet;
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste; and
• After touching garbage.
Text: Salma Khalik/The Straits Times