The Promise
I will follow safe handwashing practices and encourage others to follow safe practices too.
Impact of the Promise
“Respiratory viruses like coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread when mucus or droplets containing the virus get into your body through your eyes, nose or throat. Most often, this happens through your hands. Hands are also one of the most common ways that the virus spreads from one person to the next.” (Unicef) The most important thing that we can all do to stop the spread of the virus is to wash our hands frequently and correctly.
Action Items
Do
- Follow the CDC’s FIVE handwashing steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
- Make sure to wash your hands often. Check out this list of the CDC’s recommendations for when you need to wash your hands. Some of the most important times:
- Before eating food
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal or feeding your pet
- After touching garbage
- Set five alarms every day to remind yourself to wash your hands. Even if you don’t need the reminders, this will help you form the habit.
Don’t
- Don’t forget to share safe handwashing practices with your family and friends.
- Don’t forget that washing your hands is the simplest way to stop the spread of COVID-19. Soap destroys the virus.
- Don’t leave the house without another option. Bring hand sanitizer with you as a backup if you need to go to the grocery store!
Resources: “Everything You Need to Know About Washing Your Hands To Protect Against Coronavirus” https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/everything-you-need-know-about-washing-your-hands-protect-against-coronavirus-covid-19
CDC’s “When and How to Wash Your Hands” https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html
CDC’s “Coronavirus: How to Protect Yourself” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
Element of Honor
Self-Control
My greatest battle lies within. Control over one’s own emotions, desires and actions often defines the success or the failure of a promise. I work to build self-control so that I may better myself and the world around me.
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