Editor:
Some clarification is needed regarding Ann Harmer’s letter about hand washing (“The art of hand washing,” May 1).
While it does save water, the public health jury isn’t clear on the issue of turning off the taps while washing hands. Some sources, like the CDC, do mention turning water off while washing, while other sources like the Mayo Clinic and Health Canada don’t. The concern is that fiddling with taps while washing could potentially recontaminate hands. This is especially true in high-traffic public or workplace washrooms, but it applies to the home as well.
More importantly, Harmer’s advice to “rinse quickly” is incorrect. All sources agree that rinsing needs to be absolutely thorough and should include the wash basin. Non-levered taps should be turned off with a paper towel or sanitizing wipe and dried completely. (Yes, this creates waste, but it’s necessary for disease prevention.)
This may seem like nitpicking to some, but proper hand washing is crucial to stopping the spread of COVID-19. We can’t cut corners when people’s health is at stake. I know we’ve all had water conservation and waste reduction drummed into our heads the last several years (and for good reason), but in this specific instance, we need to get out of that mindset.
Wash often, wash thoroughly, be well.
MJ Lord, Sechelt
