Handwashing really is important to stay healthy during the virus crisis

Liberal Democrats councillors in Newcastle Dr Aidan King, and Ali Avaei, a qualfied pharmacist, have teamed up for this message.

Handwashing - with old fashioned soap - actually is effective if you leave it on your skin for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. (So don't worry that there's been a run on hand sanitizer - masses of soap in stores, and maybe even Christmas presents to be used up)

In essence it breaks down the outer layer of the virus. It's not a cure-all but certainly is a significant risk reducer.

As the virus can also live for a while on surfaces, we are washing our hands before and after meetings and visits to new places, and like Her Majesty, wearing gloves when we can. It's cold outside anyway!

Keep washing, stay healthy - gezuntheit as the Germans say.