The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has reminded us of the importance of hand washing. This harmless gesture, too often forgotten, drastically reduces the transmission of viruses. To encourage people to keep their hands, Apple decided to add a handwashing reminder to its smartwatch. getFastAnswer explains how it works..
Implement handwashing detection
Many people ignore it and yet the hands are the main vector of contamination by microbes. According to the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (INPES) the majority of microbes are transmitted through the hands.
No wonder, then, that health organizations around the world recommend washing your hands several times a day. This hygienic gesture limits the spread of viruses and diseases (flu, gastroenteritis, etc.). But for it to be effective, hand washing should be done every time you touch everyday objects..
The grab bars in public transport, door handles, escalators are all nests for bacteria responsible for diseases. But how often should you wash your hands? And how long does an effective wash take?
Turn on hand washing on Apple Watch
The period of the Covid-19 epidemic highlighted the role of the hands in the transmission of viruses. Problem, it is quite easy to forget this essential daily hygiene gesture. This is why Apple has set up a hand washing reminder on its Apple Watch.
- Open the settings section on your Apple Watch
- Place your finger on the Hand washing section
- Activate the hand washing timer function
Now every time you wash your hands, the smartwatch will automatically detect this action and display a 20-second countdown. The length of the timer was not chosen by chance. This is the minimum time recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for proper hand washing. 
This should be done at critical times, such as before cooking, after using the toilet or after touching the trash. Of course, there are other times when it is important to wash your hands..
Also, remember that you should absolutely use clean running water and soap. Then create a lather by rubbing your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Rinse your hands thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry them with a clean towel.
Personalize hand washing reminders using your iPhone
As you now know, simple things like washing your hands can help you stay healthy. But we still have to think about it. Now let's see how to set up hand washing reminders from your iPhone.
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone
- Click on the My Watch tab
- Scroll down until you see the Handwashing section
- Click on this heading
- Press the switch to activate the hand washing timer
- Click allow notifications
- Activate the hand washing reminder by sliding the switch to the right
This system will allow your Apple Watch to send you a notification to remind you to wash your hands every time you return home. Important detail, washing detection is based on hand movements. Like any system, the latter is not infallible.