Hand Washing Down 21% From 2020

A new survey from Bradley Corp. has discovered that American’s are washing their hands less as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on. According to January 2021 survey, 57% of Americans are still washing their hands six or more times per day. This is down from 78% of Americans who were washing their hands six or more times per day at this time last year.

The survey found the length of time Americans are sudsing up has also taken a dive. In January, 67% said they were scrubbing their hands for 20 seconds or longer compared to 77% percent who were washing that long in April 2020. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends spending at least 20 seconds to lather up, scrub and rinse.

The annual Healthy Handwashing Survey from Bradley Corp. queried 1,050 American adults Jan. 11-13, 2021, about their handwashing habits, concerns about the coronavirus and flu and their use of public restrooms. Participants were from around the country and were evenly split between men and women.

According to Bradley Corp., “The lackadaisical approach is a stark contrast to the 81% of Americans who say they are concerned about contracting the coronavirus. Case in point, just 53% say they wash their hands after returning from a trip outside the home. Last April, 67% were washing after venturing out. In addition, just 38% are currently reminding family members to wash their hands compared to 54% last year.”

The reality is that, even with vaccinations on the rise, this pandemic is far from over. “COVID Fatigue” is real, but that doesn’t mean you can ease up on hygiene. It is important to keep washing those hands, practice social distancing and wear your mask to protect yourself and others.