Public info campaign focuses on hand-washing

The Department for Health and Social Care has said the current phase of its public information campaign focuses on the importance of washing your hands more often.

The advice is especially important when you get to work or arrive home, after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze, and before you eat or handle food. The campaign will appear in the print media, radio, online and in public places, including billboards, and recommends washing hands for 20seconds, using soap and water or hand sanitiser.

The campaign has been brought forward in response to the current global coronavirus situation.

Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The UK is a world-leader in preparing for and managing disease outbreaks and I have every confidence in our nation’s ability to respond to the threat of COVID-19. We all have a role to play in stopping this disease and that’s what this expanded campaign is all about – making sure the public knows exactly what they should be doing to keep themselves and others safe. Washing hands regularly is the single most important thing that an individual can do.

“Public safety remains our top priority. The government and the NHS are working 24/7 to fight this virus. It’s imperative that everyone follows clinical advice by contacting NHS 111, and not going to A&E if you develop symptoms.”

The Prime Minister recently published a coronavirus action plan for the UK, which sets out plans for a range of situations.