Today, 15th October 2020) is Global Hand Washing Day. An annual event to highlight the importance of hand washing at home, in the community and around the world.
This year, to mark this day and to launch the States of Guernsey’s #GuernseyTogether Winter 2020 campaign, a pop up hand washing station will be at Waitrose Admiral Park tomorrow between 11 am and 2 pm.
Anyone visiting Waitrose can see how well they wash their hands by using an ultra violet lamp to check their technique. Public Health Staff will also be available to talk about other ways the community can keep themselves and their families well this winter.
Jo Rocha, Health Protection Nurse said: “We know that hand washing is a very simple but effective way of reducing the spread of germs and to stay healthy. This is particularly important as we move into the winter where more bugs are around and people are spending more time indoors. Keeping your hands clean can prevent 1 in 3 illnesses that cause diarrhoea and 1 in 5 infections such as colds or the flu”.
Earlier this year the community really came together to look after our Bailiwick bubble and the hashtag #GuernseyTogether was regularly shared on the many social media platforms. Now is the time to reignite that community spirit and to reintroduce #GuernseyTogether to work together to stay well.
Dr Jo Le Noury, Associate in Public Health said: “Guernsey has shown the world how small communities can work together. As we head into winter we must not be complacent. ‘#GuernseyTogether Working Together to Stay Well’ is our winter campaign to remind people that respecting personal space is still important, hand and respiratory hygiene is essential as well as looking after yourselves physically and mentally. People who have been identified as benefiting from a free or subsidised flu vaccine should make arrangements to receive it.
“Those who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the free or subsidised vaccine should contact Primary Care or a pharmacy to access the vaccine on a private basis. Keeping well will reduce impact of winter on our clinical services which are often stretched at this time of year due to respiratory conditions which can get worse in the colder months. Global Hand Washing Day is the perfect day to remind people how to keep well this winter, how to look after themselves and to look out for each other”.
Pedro Gameiro, Waitrose Guernsey said: “We were delighted to be able to facilitate the hand washing pop up at Waitrose today. As an employer, and as a retailer of essential goods for the Bailiwick we are acutely aware of the importance of good hand hygiene to keep ourselves and our customers well – particularly in the winter months”.
