Overview

• A YouGov survey for dpa of 2,023 adults in Germany (Oct. 10–13) reports 62% washed their hands more frequently during the pandemic.
• Of those who increased handwashing, 32% say they have kept that higher frequency, 28% remain above pre-pandemic levels, and 38% have returned to prior routines.
• Respondents most often cited washing after toilet use (93%), during food preparation (81%), after arriving home (70%), and before eating (68%).
• Public-health advice underscores soap with running water, at least 20 seconds of lathering within a 40–60 second full process, cold water being sufficient, and thorough drying.
• Global context shows constraints: UNESCO reports widespread water scarcity and billions lacking safe water and sanitation, and the Global Handwashing Partnership notes soapy water or ash can serve as low-cost substitutes where soap is scarce.