Handwashing Is Still Key Advice for Fighting COVID-19

David Whan • 11 March 2021

The first piece of advice we received regarding the COVID-19 pandemic back in February 2020 was about washing our hands thoroughly. Before the talk of social distancing, wearing a mask and before any restrictions on our daily lives were introduced, washing our hands with soap and water for 20 seconds was the key advice. Remember the rush to buy hand sanitiser and its scarcity in shops and supermarkets? It seems a distant memory now and nearly a year on, are people still washing their hands to prevent transmitting the COVID-19 virus?

Hand hygiene is still critical to fighting the spread of the virus, and people should be:

Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds at a time
Drying their hands thoroughly with a clean towel afterwards
Washing hands more frequently after using the washroom, before handling food, after blowing our noses and before tending to the sick
Using soap because it breaks down the fatty shell that surrounds the virus, the soap lather penetrates the folds and wrinkles of the hand
Rinsing our hands thoroughly with water because the deactivated virus is then rinsed away.

Survey results on hand-washing to fight COVID-19

For this process to work properly, it should take approximately 20 seconds, according to scientists. But a new survey has revealed that only 62% of us are properly adhering to this critical advice.

Tork manufacturer Essity polled 10,000 people across 15 countries and found that three quarters of us are now washing our hands more frequently as a result of the pandemic, averaging 10 times a day compared to eight previously. An encouraging 80% are adopting the correct hand-washing technique, but only 55% are drying their hands on a clean cloth or towel afterwards. And only 24% use a towel to turn the tap off afterwards, meaning the virus can still be transmitted.

In total, 77% of respondents believed they were washing their hands to protect themselves from the virus, when actually this action prevents us transmitting the virus to other people. Across the globe, this belief differs, but raises some alarming misconceptions. In Russia, 92% felt that hand hygiene was to protect themselves, in the UK is was 77% and in Mexico 65%.

Your duty to protect employees from transmitting COVID-19

It is clear there is still some way to go in establishing a general understanding of how the virus is transmitted. Only 48% of people said they would wash their hands after using a shared device at work such as a phone or tablet. And only 25% said they would wash their hands before using it. Similar results were found with people using public transport and visiting a public space.

Clearly the virus is going to be with us for some time, even after restrictions are lifted and people are vaccinated. So, all organisations have a duty to educate and protect their employees, with regards to how the virus is transmitted. Hand hygiene is a key element of this process and hand hygiene options, in terms of materials, substances, equipment and information, can be supplied by It’s Clean. So, contact us today and we can help you enforce high standards of hand hygiene in your business.

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It’s Clean Ltd Supports Launch of IT Recycling Charity in Harrogate

by david • 10 December 2024

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Professional Healthcare Cleaning: Why People Trust It’s Clean Ltd as Contract Cleaners for Medical Practices and Clinic Settings

1 December 2024

Healthcare settings such as dental surgeries, GP clinics and other medical practices are busy environments with a particular need for reliable professional cleaning to very high standards. Hygiene is essential for these kinds of premises, which is why professional healthcare cleaning is so important, both for safety reasons and to create a calm and effective environment for patients. Keeping your medical practice spotless maintains a safe and professional space for both patients and staff but it relies on having a contract cleaning company in place that understands the unique requirements of healthcare cleaning. That’s where our professional cleaning for medical and dental surgeries and clinics comes in. Our clients in this sector see us as a trusted partner to ensure their practice or clinic is thoroughly cleaned, without disrupting operations or compromising patient care. At It’s Clean Ltd, we specialise in contract cleaning for healthcare clinics and understand the unique requirements of medical settings. Our expert team provides cleaning services outside core hours, ensuring your practice is always pristine when your staff and patients arrive. Why You Need Specialist Cleaners for Medical Practices In a medical setting, cleanliness is not just about appearance—it’s about safety. You need a cleaning service that understands the intricacies of maintaining a sanitary and compliant space. Here are some of the key ways we meet the needs of organisations looking for expert cleaners for medical practices: Safety First: Cleaning in a Medical Environment When hiring cleaners for a dental surgery or medical clinic, it’s vital they have experience with the safety protocols specific to healthcare environments. Your cleaning team must know how to handle equipment, sharps bins and other items properly. It’s Clean Ltd ensures our cleaners are fully trained in the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste. We work closely with you to understand the specific safety concerns in your practice, so that our cleaning solutions won’t harm equipment or jeopardize patient safety. Our team uses cleaning products that are suitable for medical settings and our teams are fully up to date with the latest best practice for maintaining hygienic healthcare premises. A Local Provider for Outstanding Service As a local cleaning firm, we are often the first choice for healthcare environments because of their particular need for a responsive service. We only work with clients within a 50-mile radius of our head office and this local focus that allows us to have fast response times and outstanding service levels. This is a huge advantage for clinics that feel it is important to build a good relationship with their contract cleaner and to have a supplier they can trust. Compliance with Regulations Trust is a fundamental element of any professional cleaning partnership, especially when dealing with confidential patient information. Your cleaning service should adhere to strict data protection and confidentiality regulations, such as GDPR and the Data Protection Act. At It’s Clean Ltd, we prioritise compliance and maintain strict protocols to ensure the safety and privacy of your patient records and medical data. Our team undergoes background checks, and we follow all relevant safety guidelines to ensure your clinic remains compliant at all times. Professionalism and Pride Your cleaning team will sometimes be working while your staff are still in the building, so professionalism is key. Cleaners should be uniformed, courteous and fully equipped when delivering any type of cleaning service, particularly GP surgery and health centre cleaning . Our team at It’s Clean Ltd takes pride in delivering reliable and professional healthcare cleaning. We ensure our staff are fully trained and always prepared to tackle any challenge. If sickness or other absences occur, we’ll ensure that your cleaning schedule is covered, so you never have to worry about the cleanliness of your practice. Check Out Reviews and References When looking for a contract cleaning supplier for your clinic, it’s important to check reviews and seek references from other businesses in the industry. Look for a cleaning service that has a proven track record of working in similar settings. At It’s Clean Ltd, we have a long history of serving dental and medical professionals with exceptional cleaning services. Our clients trust us because we consistently deliver high-quality, reliable service. We invite you to read all our testimonials Relationship Building A good cleaning service isn’t just a one-time solution—it’s a long-term partnership. Over time, your cleaning team should become familiar with your clinic's specific needs and provide a personalized service that evolves with your business. With It’s Clean Ltd, we strive to build strong, lasting partnerships with our clients. We pride ourselves on being a reliable partner that can be trusted to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness. The Benefits of Choosing It’s Clean Ltd for Your Medical Practice At It’s Clean Ltd, we specialise in professional cleaning for healthcare practices. Our team is local and committed to offering flexible, efficient, and compliant cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free survey and quotation to discover how we can help maintain a safe and clean environment for your clinic.