CPS urges daily handwashing ahead of Global Handwashing Day

The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) is urging residents, schools, businesses and community organisations to make handwashing a daily habit ahead of Global Handwashing Day on Thursday 15 October. CPS, an agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, said washing hands with soap and clean water helps reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

CPS said handwashing with soap can help prevent about one in three diarrhoeal illnesses and one in five respiratory infections, including colds and influenza. It advised washing hands before, during and after preparing food; after using the toilet; after coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose; and before and after caring for someone who is ill.

CPS said people working in food preparation, healthcare, childcare and hospitality should pay particular attention to hand hygiene because of frequent contact with people or shared surfaces. The service advised washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

This year's observance is promoted under the Global Handwashing Partnership theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero!” CPS said the day is intended to encourage people to practise good hand hygiene and teach children about clean hands.