“Soap thoroughly and don’t forget your thumbs”
World Hand Hygiene Day takes on special significance
Frankfurt/Bad Soden, May 5th, 2021 “Rarely has a special day in the past been as important as International Hand Hygiene Day,” says Marcell Engel, disinfector, crime scene cleaner and managing director of the Frankfurt specialist company Akut SOS Clean GmbH. This day, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), has taken place annually on May 5th since 2009. The date – May 5th. – symbolizes the two five fingers of the human hand. “Washing your hands correctly and thoroughly is the be-all and end-all in order to avoid the dangerous transmission of germs and viruses,” explains the specialist.
He knows what he's talking about. His team and he worked around the clock, especially in the first months of the corona pandemic, to disinfect hospitals, nursing homes, schools, kindergartens and offices as well as mass transport such as planes, buses and trains and thus protect people from the corona virus as best as possible.
“The day of action is a good opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of regular and thorough hand washing with soap, both for adults and children,” says disinfection expert Engel. And he has some basic tips: "This always applies, for example, after coming home, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing and of course after going to the toilet. Also before eating, handling food, medicines and cosmetics." Of course, this is also important before and after changing babies and small children.
These are of great importance for protection against viruses and germs. The rule of thumb is easy to remember: soap for at least 30 seconds and don't forget your thumbs and fingertips when washing. Thorough and frequent handwashing with soap is one of the most important precautionary measures to avoid COVID-19 infection. The father of four knows from his own experience that this is often not easy, especially with the little ones. Since children are particularly close to his heart, he has launched an initiative for early childhood health promotion and hygiene. In a child-friendly video project, the cute little “Vincent the Raccoon” shows three to six year olds how to wash their hands correctly in a playful and explanatory way. In addition to the video, there are also accompanying materials - such as funny Vincent stickers for the sink - that kindergartens, educators, parents and can use.
“Protecting people from viruses and germs has always been a particular focus of mine,” explains Marcell Engel. "Under the current circumstances, World Hand Hygiene Day is even more important. I will continue to actively promote education regarding hygiene and disinfection," he concludes.