Photo Credit: SIGNE WILKINSON for the Philadelphia Inquirer

The outbreak of the novel Wuhan coronavirus has spread rapidly, causing many people to erupt in fear. The death toll has surpassed 2,500  nationwide; there are over 85,000 confirmed cases, in over 56 countries.

The World Health Organization has stated that the global coronavirus is now labeled “very high at a global level” raising its assessment to the most serious of their new four-stage alert system.

The coronavirus is a viral respiratory system that originated in China’s transportation hub Wuhan. Researchers believe it comes from animals, bats in particular. The virus causes pneumonia and has shown similar symptoms to the common cold.

When it comes to coronavirus protection, face masks are pointless, and there isn’t a vaccine or pill you can take to prevent it. Therefore, the best way to prevent transmission and keeping yourself safe is by washing your hands, well and often.

Not just rinsing your hands under some cold water, washing your hands the proper way. It’s something similar to an art form that includes a timed, step by step process, and some singing.

STEP 1

Thoroughly wet your hands, with clean running water. Then, turn off the tap, and apply soap to your hands.

STEP 2

Rub your hands together to work the soap into a lather. Distribute the lather onto the back of your hands, in between your fingers and under your nails.

STEP 3

This is where your vocal skills come into play. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds; you can time yourself  by repeating the Hoover motto; we are responsible, we are respectful, we are engaged, we are Hoover, for five times

STEP 4

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

STEP 5

Dry your hands using a clean towel.

Also, take note of how much bacteria are on door handles. Make sure to use a paper towel when touching door handles. Hand sanitizer is an okay substitute if you don’t have access to that.

Keep in mind using hot water to kill germs is only a myth because whatever temperature is comfortable for your hands is also comfortable for bacteria. To find out more visit @humansofhoover on Instagram for a poll and more updates regarding the coronavirus.

Ani Chaglasian