Practicing good hand hygiene is an important preventative action in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Map of hand sanitizers & disinfecting wipes dispensers across campus (PDF)
Soap and Water
When to Use
- After entering from outside.
- Before and after eating.
- After using the restroom.
- After taking out or touching garbage.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- When your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
How to Use
- Wet your hands with clean, running water then apply the soap.
- Lather your hands front and back, between your fingers and under your nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse under running water.
- Dry using a clean towel or air dry.
Alcohol-Based Sanitizer
When to Use
- After entering a building if a washroom is not immediately available.
- After coming in contact with high-touch surfaces and/or equipment if a washroom is not immediately available.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Do not use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty, wash with soap and water instead.
How to Use
- Make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Use enough to cover your hands completely
- Rub your hands together until they feel dry.
- Do not rinse or wipe off before it is dry.
Watch Video: Proper Hand Hygiene using Hand Sanitizer
Purchasing
Hand sanitizer is available on a limited basis and may be requested online through the Campus COVID Supply Store.
Considerations
In a typical office setting, there are differences to consider when deciding whether to wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. Soap and water work to remove all types of germs and dirt from hands, while hand sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs in many situations, they should ideally only be used when access to soap and water is limited.
Updated: April 08, 2024