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Use hand sanitiser to reduce spread of bacteria, doctors say
10 October 2010.
Supermarkets, Medicare offices and government buildings should supply hand sanitisers to visitors to reduce the spread of bacteria through the community, AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley said today.
AMA Victoria has written to Coles, Woolworths and Federal Minister for Human Services Tanya Plibersek recommending hand sanitisers be placed next to touch screens at Medicare offices and at supermarket self-serve check-outs.
"The innovation of touch-screen computers in Medicare offices is a welcome move," Dr Hemley said. "However, touch screen computers can easily transmit viruses as germs are transferred from customers’ hands to the screen.
"Given that people generally visit Medicare offices after a recent bout of illness, introducing hand sanitiser could take significant steps to reduce infection and the transmission of viruses in the community."
Dr Hemley also wrote to Premier Brumby to recommend the supply of hand sanitisers at the entrances of public buildings.
"People using shared amenities can easily transmit viruses as germs from their hands transfer on to door handles and elevator buttons," he said.
"A public health measure such hand sanitiser in all public buildings in Victoria could reduce the spread of virus and bacteria in our community."
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