Handwashing is one of the key defences not only against Novel Coronavirus but other infectious diseases as well. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one wash their hands with soap during these key times:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage
Dr Shruti Tandan-Pardasani, Consultant Critical Care, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre believes hand hygiene should be taught once a child starts to feed himself/herself. She said, 'Most childhood diseases ranging from respiratory to gastrointestinal illnesses are totally preventable by a thorough hand wash. It is the cheapest and easiest vaccination that we can give ourselves so why not start inculcating early in life.'
Here are five easy ways to inculcate handwashing habits among children and encourage them to follow it regularly.