According to data from Public Health France, the French have overwhelmingly adopted the wearing of masks, but they wash their hands less than during the first confinement.

A relative relaxation which remains problematic, because this barrier gesture is one of the most effective against the coronavirus.

The French wash their hands less and less.

While this gesture is essential to fight against the coronavirus, statistics from Public Health France show a relaxation.

They were 80% during the first confinement, against 70% today.

A figure that must be put into perspective because people exaggerate when they self-assess.

Specialists therefore encourage the French to return to this practice, which effectively makes it possible to fight against the virus.

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Hand washing even more effective than a mask

The virus can stay two to three hours on a surface such as a doorknob or elevator button, and up to two days on some materials in a humid environment.

It is therefore essential to wash your hands regularly, while the French do it less and less.

Fortunately, the support of the French to wearing a mask is growing stronger.

But for Didier Pittet, cleaning expert with the World Health Organization and inventor of hydroalcoholic gel, this is not enough because washing your hands is more useful than wearing a mask.

The ideal is of course to do both.

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Thus, according to this Swiss epidemiologist, it is absolutely necessary to put hand washing at the center of the debate, which is fundamental for several reasons.

"First, because when you touch an environment that the virus can be in and you put your hands to your face, you can infect yourself. It's practically called 'self-infection.' And then when you touch an environment and then you do not respect the physical distance and touch someone, you will transmit the virus to him ", specifies the doctor.

Charged by Emmanuel Macron to assess the management of the Covid-19 crisis in France, Didier Pittet recommends using a bottle of 100 to 150 milliliters of hydroalcoholic gel per person and per week in order to effectively fight against the spread of the coronavirus.