During covid-19 the virus is spreading one to another by the touch. Hand hygiene. A general term referring to any action of hand cleansing. The World Health Organization recommends washing hands in the following circumstances: Before and after caring for any sick person. Before, during, and after preparing food. Before eating. After using the toilet. After helping someone who just used the toilet. After blowing one's nose, or coughing or sneezing. After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste. After touching garbage. However, if soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol can be used instead unless hands are visibly excessively dirty or greasy.