Watch CBS News

More Handwashing In Aiports Could Slow Global Disease Spread By 70%, Study Says

BOSTON (CBS) -- There continues to be concerns about the spread of the novel coronavirus worldwide. Most health professionals say the best way to prevent the spread is good handwashing. But is that true?

According to researchers at MIT, only about 20% of people traveling through airports have clean hands. The rest are potentially contaminating every surface they touch.

By using detailed modeling, the researchers estimated that if we could improve handwashing in the world's airports to include at least 60% of travelers, it could possibly slow the global spread of disease by almost 70%.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.