It may be on your mind, but soap can help to keep it off of your hands.

Do you remember the importance that was placed upon washing your hands when you were still in grade school?

The teachers would make it seem like something fun, a task that you simply didn't want to miss out on. If you ever need to remember how to properly take the time allotted, think back to those days, and sing a 'happy birthday' song to yourself, all the way through a couple of times, and vigorously wash your hands until the songs are over. Now is the time to recall the importance of handwashing that was instilled in us, and then spend some extra time washing your hands to protect those around you. Routinely washing your hands is the first step towards keeping others safe. We should all make a conscious effort to spend a few more moments with your soapy hands under the running faucet, remember to try singing a song in your head to keep track of the time - it still works!

The World Health Organization recommends washing your hands with soap and running water whenever your hands are visibly dirty. If they are not visibly dirty, frequently clean them by using alcohol-based hand sanitizer or continue with the soap and water.

"In tandem, some soap molecules disrupt the chemical bonds that allow bacteria, viruses and grime to stick to the surfaces, lifting them off the skin. Micelles can also form around particles of dirt and fragments of viruses and bacteria, suspending them in floating cages. When you rinse your hands, all the microorganisms that have been damaged, trapped and killed by soap molecules are washed away." - Ferris Jabr, NYTimes

In addition to washing your hands, staying out of crowded public areas, and keeping your personal distance - don't forget to sanitize the areas of your home that frequently come into human contact. Even if you don't think that anyone other than your immediate family has come over for a visit, you should still thoroughly sanitize the doorknobs and surfaces in every room of your house. While you're at it, think about all of the places that your cell phone has been and then subsequently give it a wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Please take a moment to review List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2, on March 3 the EPA published this thorough list of cleaning products that are guaranteed to provide your home with a solid defense against the virus.