Back to the basics: Hand washing is public health 101 and it works to slow down the spread of viruses

• Despite the advice of normative health institutions such as the CDC and WHO on the importance of handwashing to slow the spread of viruses, in the U.S. there is an almost exclusive focus on social distancing, mask wearing and disinfecting the environment. • A central component to reopening safely should be requiring hand sanitizing upon entering an establishment. Washing hands should become as automatic as wearing a seatbelt, bike helmet or refraining from smoking in public, all of which are simple and cost-effective ways to prevent injury and disease. • Although this novel virus requires innovation in balancing control measures to maximize safety while protecting livelihoods, there is tremendous value in relying on proven strategies and `getting back to public health basics,’ such as hand washing.