BE AWARE OF HAND HYGIENE THIS HOLIDAY

Stay aware of hand hygiene this season

The holidays are a time of joy, family togetherness and health awareness

STORY BY BRITTANY SMITH

As the nation begins to form some type of normalcy in the face of COVID-19 and lock-downs, people are on pins and needles, ready to spend time with friends and family during the holiday season. If everyone does his or her part, this could be a season to remember. A season full of parties, get-togethers and events; however, it is important to remember that there are still protocols in place to ensure everyone’s safety, such as social distancing and albeit, we’ve done away with the mask, for the most part, but hand washing still plays an ever-important role in the lives of today’s citizens, particularly those who serve and eat food.

Dani Reams, regional extension agent said, “One of the most important things to remember is proper hand-washing procedure, especially during the holiday season. Hands must be washed prior to beginning food preparation and after any contamination.”

Reams said examples of contamination would

be touching surfaces like cell phones, money, hair, garbage containers, etc.

In the hustle and bustle that is bound to take place over the next several weeks, the easiest way to ensure that guests, friends and family members avoid food-related contamination, in addition to viral born illnesses, is to set up hand washing stations that are easy to use and accessible to everyone.

“A properly set up hand washing station should include a sink that supplies warm water under pressure, soap, paper towels, a garbage can and proper waste disposal,” Reams said. “The health department requires restaurants, vendors and sponsors at events to have a sign posted reminding workers to wash their hands after using the restroom or after any chance of contamination, but family gatherings are less formal and the FDA does not control what happens in our homes.”

And if the last year has taught anyone anything, it is that proper hygiene goes beyond just making sure signs are posted. It has become a facet of personal responsibility. No one should assume that people know how to wash their hands properly, said Reams.

In addition to washing hands, be conscious of your surroundings, continue to observe social distancing guidelines, and safely enjoy the holiday season.

Steps for proper handwashing

1. Wet hands with warm water. 2. Apply soap and scrub your hands outside of the stream of water. “Sometimes people scrub their hands while holding them under the water; however, this is not correct. It allows the soap to wash off before the hands have been properly scrubbed,” Reams said. 3. Scrub hands. Fun fact: Sing happy birthday two times at an average speed to ensure that you have scrubbed your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds. 4. Rinse hands with warm water. 5. Dry with a single-use paper towel and turn off the water with the paper towel. Dispose of paper towel properly.