Observe Global Hand Washing Day to Beat Diseases, Including COVID-19

The City of Ekurhuleni will join the global community and other spheres of government to commemorate Global Hand Washing Day on 15 October 2020. This day is commemorated yearly, when the world comes together to promote hand washing with soap as an easy, effective, and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. The theme for 2020 is Clean Hands for All.

This year it comes amidst the fight against COVID-19 which has had a negative impact cross the world, and one of the most effective ways to stop its spread is hand hygiene, especially through hand washing with soap.

The City’s Mayoral Committee members for Health and Social Development Cllr Nomadlozi Nkosi urged residents not to be complacent on personal hygiene, including hand washing to keep germs at bay.  “As far as the virus is concerned, we are not out of the woods yet,” Nkosi said.

Health authorities have cautioned that a second wave of Covid-19 is possible if citizens become complacent.  Social distancing, wearing of masks, sanitising and frequent washing of hands with soap are still part of the daily routine now and in the future.

“As the City, we continue to do our best to deliver clean water and we urge our customers to play their part to help keep our water clean and to save water,” MMC for Water and Sanitation Tiisetso Nketle said. Take action, practice hygienic habits by washing hands, she added.

Residents are requested to ensure that while they observe Global Hand Washing Day, they do so responsibly by saving water.