Around three quarters of us are washing our hands more frequently than we previously did as a result of COVID-19, according at a study by Tork manufacturer Essity.
However, nearly 80% of us are doing so only to protect ourselves (and not others) from the virus, according to the study commissioned to coincide with Global Handwashing Day.
Two out of three respondents in a poll of more than 10,000 people claim to have stepped up their hand washing frequency since the start of the pandemic, with 78% now routinely washing their hands after visiting a public place.
However, only 38% said they washed their hands before visiting a public place, indicating that most people are more concerned about picking up the virus outside the home than they are about contaminating the places they visit. This was confirmed by the fact that 77% of respondents claimed the chief reason they washed their hands was to protect themselves, not others, from virus transmission.
Carolyn Berland, Essity’s Global Brand Innovation Manager, said: “Despite a high level of solidarity with frontline workers during this pandemic, our survey results indicate that we could be doing more when it comes to washing our hands for others. Hand hygiene is a crucial tool in our efforts to maintain healthy communities. I hope we continue with our increased frequency of hand hygiene throughout the pandemic and afterwards.”
Taking place on 15 October 2020, this year’s Global Handwashing Day has the theme ‘Hand Hygiene for All’, and Carolyn has launched a new Tork podcast discussing the importance of good hand hygiene routines and of using soap rather than sanitisers.
Good communication is crucial in terms of preventing contamination, according to Essity Vice President of Marketing, Alberto Cajiga, who said: “We would like to inspire everyone – from business owners to employees and from students to parents – to wash their hands not only to protect themselves, but also to help others to feel secure and stay healthy.”
To find out more about the podcast, click here.
