Covid-19 and hand cleaning

  • HCP should perform hand hygiene before and after all patient contact, contact with potentially infectious material, and before putting on and after removing PPE, including gloves. Hand hygiene after removing PPE is particularly important to remove any pathogens that might have been transferred to bare hands during the removal process.
  • HCP should perform hand hygiene by using ABHS with 60-95% alcohol or washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If hands are visibly soiled, use soap and water before returning to ABHS.
  • Healthcare facilities should ensure that hand hygiene supplies are readily available to all personnel in every care location.