Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an effective way to eliminate the COVID-19 virus, if applied correctly. Hand sanitizer is usually faster and easier than washing your hands with soap and water, but if you have the option, you should still wash your hands for 20 seconds. This is the most reliable way to get rid of coronavirus and other viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible, as this reduces the amount of all types of germs and chemicals on your hands.
However, if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and transmitting germs to others. The guide to effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers in community settings was developed based on data from several studies.
