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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health
man sneezing into elbow

Hygiene Etiquette

Hygiene etiquette involves practices that prevent the spread of illness and disease. While it is always important to practice good hygiene etiquette, it is most important when you are sick, especially when you are coughing or sneezing. 

To help stop the spread of germs:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid shaking hands, use other forms of acknowledgement.
  • Put your used tissue in a waste basket.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
  • Cleanse your hands frequently by either washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 70% alcohol).
  • Don’t share food, cutlery, cups or water bottles with others – even immediate family.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
  • Frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces often

If you are ill, you should try to distance yourself from others so you do not spread your germs. Distancing includes staying home from work or school when possible.

Hand hygiene resources

Hand washing/sanitizing is the best way to prevent infections. The resources below demonstrate the steps to properly wash and sanitize your hands, and outline some scenarios on when you should always wash your hands:

Need More Information About Hygiene Etiquette?

Call our Communicable Disease Intake at 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 349.

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COVID-19 vaccines in HPE

Eligible individuals can receive their vaccination at many participating local pharmacies by contacting the pharmacy directly. Please visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for location and registration information.

Vaccine ordering for health care providers

Vaccine orders for routine immunizations and STI medications continue to be available through HPEPH by using our vaccine order forms; however, please note that our vaccine delivery/pickup procedure has changed. For the most up to date pick up schedule please visit hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-orders-info-healthcare-providers/.