Wash your hands and stop the spread
One of the simplest things every single one of us can do to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to wash your hands.
Wash your hands frequently for at least 40-60 seconds especially after:
Coughing/sneezing
Caring for the sick
When prepping food
Before eating
After using the toilet
When your hands are dirty
After handling animals or their waste
Returning home from visiting public places
If you are able to, wash or sanitise your hands regularly when out in public places. If you touch someone or something, do not touch your face or hair until you wash your hands again.
We realise it’s easier for those living in urban areas to wash your hands in a sink or under a tap. However it can be a little more challenging in rural areas.
You can can construct a simple Tippy-Tap nearby your house. A Tippy-Tap is a simple Do-It-Yourself hands-free way to wash your hands, operated by your foot. If you can access a water container, it is easy to make. Here’s how:
Materials needed
4 strong poles or sticks - two approx, 1.5 metres (equal length) , two approx. 1 metre
1 large empty plastic water container
String or thin rope to use for tying poles, water container and soap
Soap for washing hands
Gravel or pebbles (can be found in creeks or riverbanks) for water drainage.
Tools required
Spade/shovel to dig ground
Nail to puncture a hole in water container and soap.
To construct your Tippy-Tap
Dig two holes approximately approx. 1 metre apart.
Insert poles that are equal length in each hole, packing earth tightly around to make sure they are the same level and stable.
Puncture two holes in the top of the container, just under the cap
Slide the 1 metre pole through the handle of the container
Place the pole with the water container across the upright poles, secure poles together with string.
Make a hole in the cap of the container and pull a piece of string through the hole, making sure the string is long enough to reach the ground. Tie the string to a stick, which is placed on the floor. This stick acts as a pedal, tipping the container forward.
Make a hole in the centre of the soap and attach to a piece of string. Tie soap to pole beside the container.
Put gravel or pebbles below the water container to prevent the area from getting muddy.
Fill container with water and your Tippy-Tap is ready to go!
