February 21, 2020

As of Friday 21^st February, COVID-19 has infected 76,727 people globally and taken 2,247 lives. With no vaccines available yet, this number is only going to increase. COVID-19 is not just a problem in China, or countries in Asia, but is a worldwide pandemic that could affect millions globally in the coming months. There are currently 47 cases in Europe and 16 cases in the USA.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that thorough hand washing can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub eliminates the virus if it is on your hands. Researchers in London estimate that if everyone routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year could be prevented!

In a study on 16 elementary schools, involving 6,000 students, there was a 19.8% reduction in absenteeism due to infection in classrooms that were using an alcohol gel hand sanitizer.

We spoke with Carole Hallam who is an Independent Nurse Consultant (Infection Control) at AC Independent Nursing Consultants regarding the importance of hand hygiene. She said “The simple task of hand hygiene is often underestimated in its importance in preventing infection. It is of vital importance with Coronavirus as the virus can easily be transmitted via hands from one person the next, if contaminated hands come in contact with our eyes, nose, and mouth”.

Amity and their distribution network are working tirelessly to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our Virusan, Virusan AS and ViruFoam range of hand sanitizers are available direct from Amity or from our authorised distribution network.

Reduce the risk, wash your hands!