Handwashing Remains Important Post-Pandemic

The American public has widely moved on from the COVID-19 pandemic, but many of the practices and policies embraced during the historic period have remained. One of those points of emphasis is handwashing. 

And in an observation that facility managers need to take note of: touchless restroom products are wildly popular with the public. 

In its annual Healthy Handwashing Survey, Bradley Corporation found that 93 percent of adults believe that handwashing is essential to maintaining overall health. Handwashing received lots of attention during the early stages of the pandemic as an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus among individuals, and the results of the survey show that most Americans have continued to prioritize keeping their hands clean. 

Bradley gathered responses from 1,025 people in January and asked them about their handwashing habits, coronavirus and flu concerns and use of public restrooms.

Results revealed that the public generally: 

• Feels healthier and safer after washing hands with soap and water 
• Increases handwashing before special events and while traveling to protect themselves from sickness 
• Avoids germs in public restrooms by using a paper towel as a barrier to touching surfaces and flushing toilets with their foot. 

Other interesting takeaways from the survey showed: 

• 82 percent of adults believe it is important to have touchless fixtures in a public restroom 
• 70 percent say they feel healthier or safer after washing their hands 
• 69 percent use soap and water when at an airport when traveling 
• 65 percent have a negative impression when they see someone who doesn’t wash their hands after using a restroom 
• 60 percent say they are likely to spend more time at a business that has clean restrooms. 

Dave Lubach is managing editor of the Facilities Market. 

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