The latest annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Corporation has found that handwashing frequency has decreased 25 per cent among adults compared to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the spring of 2020, Americans were washing their hands an average of 10.5 times per day. This January, that number had dropped by one-quarter to 7.8 times per day.
However, while the adult population may be shortchanging their handwashing routine, the survey found that eight in 10 (79 per cent) of parents take some sort of action to encourage their children to suds up. Nearly half (44 per cent) say they regularly ask their young ones to wash their hands, 26 per cent have added it to their children’s routine and a similar proportion (25 per cent) buy fun soaps to make handwashing more interesting.
As for hand hygiene outside of the home, 64 per cent of parents say their child’s school or daycare builds handwashing into the daily schedule.
“Handwashing has been shown to be a simple, safe and effective way to reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria, including the virus that causes Covid-19,” says medical microbiologist Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., professor and chair of biology, Saint Joseph’s University. “It is essential that everyone maintain high-levels of personal hygiene and that we do not let down our guard.”
As a first line of defense to remove germs, 61 per cent of Americans correctly believe their hands are less germy after washing with soap and water than after using hand sanitizer – a fact supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also recommends washing hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, and the survey found that 63 per cent follow that guidance and wash for an average of 21 seconds. However, 17 per cent of the population say they only take five to 10 seconds to clean up.
Coronavirus concerns fading
Overall, the 2022 survey found anxiety and actions surrounding the coronavirus have relaxed as North America enters the third year of the pandemic.
Currently, 41 per cent of respondents say they are very concerned about contracting the coronavirus. That’s a significant drop from January 2021, when more than half of the population (53 per cent) expressed a high level of concern.
Another indication that fears are starting to ebb is showing up in the way people greet each other. In April 2020, 67 per cent preferred to wave hello in order to eliminate physical contact and 49 per cent said they specifically avoided shaking hands. In January 2022, 44 per cent were using a wave as a greeting and only 36% say they are avoiding handshakes.
And, while still high, concerns about coming into contact with germs are also starting to recede. These days, 78 per cent of Americans say they are more conscious about germs as a result of the coronavirus compared to 89 per cent in April 2020 and 86 [per cent in February 2021.
“Germ avoidance and handwashing diligence are two habits that should always be a priority,” says Jon Dommisse, vice president of marketing and corporate communication for Bradley Corp. “No matter the time of year or situation we’re in, lathering up, scrubbing thoroughly, rinsing and drying your hands is something that should be done consistently without fail.”
