As Americans prepare to return to public life in the age of COVID-19, the vast majority are looking for touchless hand washing fixtures in washrooms. According to new research, 91 percent of Americans believe it’s extremely or somewhat important that public restrooms are equipped with touchless fixtures.

Sixty percent say that their preference for touchless hand washing fixtures has risen a great deal since the pandemic and another 30 percent say their preference has increased somewhat, in their elevated efforts to avoid coming into contact with high-touch washroom surfaces.

The findings are from Bradley Corp.’s latest Healthy Hand Washing Survey, conducted April 6-7, to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on consumers’ hand hygiene behaviors and preferences, particularly in public restrooms.

Another insight is the fact that Americans have reordered their priorities as to how facilities should improve their restrooms.

“Making everything touchless is now the most-requested improvement,” says Jon Dommisse, director of strategy and corporate development for Bradley Corp. “Just months ago in December 2019, the most desired upgrade was keeping restrooms cleaner and better stocked. In both cases, it’s clear that Americans have grown more adverse to germ hot-spots in restrooms.”

Germ concerns give new urgency to hand washing

Dommisse notes that 70 percent are extremely or very concerned about contracting coronavirus, particularly millennials and baby boomers. Retail stores give Americans the most trepidation about coming into contact with germs, followed by hospitals/health care facilities, restaurants and workplaces.

Speaking of workplaces, the survey also found that most Americans (72 percent) are working from home during the outbreak, particularly in the Northeast. Just 24 percent say they are working outside the home.

In the wake of COVID-19, the Healthy Hand Washing Survey shows how Americans have altered their hand washing habits:

• Ninety percent say they are washing their hands more frequently or more thoroughly or longer
• Seventy-eight percent are washing their hands six or more times a day — only 37 percent washed up that often prior to the outbreak. Out of all age groups, Gen Xers are the most likely to wash their hands that frequently
• Seventy-seven percent are washing their hands for at least 20 seconds

“Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 outbreak has had a dramatic effect on Americans’ hand washing behavior – and it appears those shifts will stick around for a while,” says Dommisse. “In fact, 88 percent believe they are extremely or somewhat likely to maintain their increased hand washing regimen once the virus has passed.”

Bradley Corp. is a leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, restroom partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers. For more information, visit www.bradleycorp.com/handwashing.