UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) officials are encouraging  people to practice consistent hand washing and cleanliness to help prevent the spread of germs.  

Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness in all environmental settings. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading throughout an entire community. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov), one should wash their hands:  

• Before, during, and after preparing food 
• Before eating food 
• Before and after contact with someone who is sick 
• Before and after treating a cut or wound 
• After using the toilet 
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet 
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing 
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste 
• After touching garbage 

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce germs. Hand sanitizers can reduce some germs but not all types. Proper hand washing techniques include the following:  

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. 
• Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. 
• Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “alphabet song” from beginning to end twice.  
• Rinse your hands well under running water.  
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.  

More information can be found on the CDC website. 

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For more information on this topic, please contact (301) 952-6001 or communications@pgcps.org. Follow Prince George's County Public Schools on Twitter: @pgcps and @pgcpshite.