New research showing how hygiene habits are changing through lockdown

Welsh washing hands 12 times per day during lockdown, up from nine pre-Covid.

Women washing their hands three times more than men

New research published today by EcoHydra, the hand hygiene experts, shows how the Welsh have cleaned up their hygiene since the Coronavirus lockdown, however, the data suggests those standards may begin to drop off slightly as we exit lockdown.

The poll, which was conducted by YouGov and surveyed 2,214 UK adults, shows 54% are washing their hands with soap and water more than ten times a day with 10% being extra clean, washing more than 20 times a day. The average number in Wales during lockdown is 12, with respondents saying they expect this to reduce to 11 afterwards, up from 9, the pre-Covid figure.

Interestingly, the Government’s hand washing advice with soap and water, appears to be cutting through with both men and women. Pre-Covid, both men and women washed their hands with soap and water seven and nine times a day on average, respectively. During lockdown, this has increased to 10 among men and 13 among women. Women say they will continue this trend after the outbreak with men staying the same also.

Perhaps most concerning is that one per cent of respondents said they never wash their hands with soap and water at all during lockdown (equating to nearly 300,000 adults across the UK).

When asked about their habits in public spaces after lockdown, 66% of people in Wales said they would be shaking hands less with others, 40% of those saying a lot less. Additionally:

Almost six-in ten (59%) said they will be touching surfaces such as handrails on escalators or on public transport less.

Likewise, more than a third of the population may run the risk of being run over as 37% said they will be touching buttons at pedestrian crossings less.

Four in ten (42%) will wear a face mask in public with a quarter (27%) saying they will carry disposable gloves.

Hand sanitiser use is on the increase with almost six-in-ten (59%) using it at least once a day during lockdown, with more than half (51%) saying they’ll use it at least once a day afterwards. Again, 60% of women said they’re more likely to carry hand sanitiser compared to 46% of men.

In fact, despite its widespread use, 45% of respondents agree that alcoholic hand sanitiser can damage hands. While effective, the protection given by alcohol-based sanitisers, does evaporate upon application, yet 44% believe sanitisers should be effective for at least one hour after being applied.

Clifton Melvin, Chairman, EcoHydra: “Coronavirus has changed and continues to change our habits in many ways. But perhaps the greatest change is our approach to personal hygiene. Face masks, hand sanitisers and social distancing are all becoming the new norm as we adapt to life after the lockdown.

“I think the public is very wary of risks that may undermine the efforts to tackle the pandemic to date. While the immediate focus is on the reduction of social distance measures and the wearing of face masks in public places, it is somewhat concerning that hand hygiene has taken a back seat and some consumers are resting on their laurels. Especially as hands are a major source of transmitting the virus."