Use Project WET Resources to Teach Proper Handwashing and Help Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is making headlines worldwide. Much about the new virus is still unknown. However, everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19. One of those actions is handwashing with soap and water. Developing healthy handwashing habits, especially for children, is critical. Luckily, Project WET has many free resources to help teach kids how to wash their hands properly—and to remind people of all ages to do so as well.

A Chinese-language version of the site is available at DiscoverWater.org/cnDiscoverWater.org Soap and Water Science: This unit--which kids can use on their own or under the supervision of a parent or teacher--teaches kids both the "why" and the "how" behind washing their hands with soap. Kids learn how soap and water work together to clean their hands, and how germs spread in their daily life. Available in English or Chinese, Soap and Water Science is a great way to introduce handwashing as a preventative measure.

 

Healthy Personal Hygiene lesson thumbnailTake an online training to learn how to use the "Healthy Personal Hygiene" lesson with your class, co-workers or family. Then download the lesson and share with your intended audience. Don't forget to download companion student publications if you're working with kids aged three to 18, and be sure to check out the Chinese, German and Spanish sites for those languages. Portuguese for Brazil and French for Canada are also available from the English-language download page.

Download a handwashing poster, print it out and post it around your work, school and home to encourage proper handwashing. We have posters in multiple designs and languages. Here are a couple of those:

Wash Those Germs Away poster

When Should You Wash Your Hands (Spanish poster)

Although our "Clean Hands Club" campaign has ended, we still have the handwashing posters tailored to adult audiences. Here's one example:

Adult Handwashing Poster

(Check out the other adult-oriented designs, which include GROSS!, The Virus List and Me Time.)

Other CDC recommendations to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Stay healthy, and help others do the same, with Project WET!

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