The primary aim of Global Handwashing Day (GHD) – taking place on Thursday, 15 October 2020 – is to encourage more people to follow the correct handwashing practices and reduce the spread of pathogens and prevent infections. While 40% of the global population still doesn’t have basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home, the hope is that hand hygiene will, one day, be universal.
This year, the GHD message is even more important than it’s ever been as a result of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to across the world. The airborne and contact transmission modes of the coronavirus have shown how quickly it can spread and that, if we all take the precautionary measures needed, we can protect those around us.
While we wait for a vaccine, the only ways we can keep everyone safe is to follow public health guidance on social distancing and wearing of masks, ventilation in enclosed spaces, sanitising surfaces and thorough handwashing techniques. Soap and clean water lift dirt and pathogens off your hands. Using the nine handwashing steps and washing for at least 20 seconds will remove the maximum number of germs, leaving your hands clean and safe.
As the leading hygiene company in the world, Rentokil Initial has always served to protect people and enhance lives. At this critical time of observing good hand hygiene, the company is devoting time, local expertise and solutions to keep vulnerable groups of people and communities around the world safe on GHD. We’re sharing our experiences on social media with the hashtag: #ShareTheLove.
