The pandemic taught us the importance of hygiene like never before. Frequent handwashing, meticulous cleaning of surfaces, and an acute awareness of germ transmission became part of our daily routines. However, as the world returns to "normal," there are growing signs that hygiene standards are slipping. This decline has troubling implications for public health, as germs and viruses can now spread more easily.
One of the most noticeable shifts is the reduced emphasis on personal hygiene. During the pandemic, many of us were diligent about washing our hands after every outing, using antibacterial gels, and avoiding unnecessary contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. Today, the urgency around these practices has waned. A quick rinse of hands—often without soap—has replaced thorough washing. The reduced use of hand sanitisers in public places also signals a collective laxity.
This change is concerning because personal hygiene remains our first line of defence against illness. Hands, in particular, are vectors for pathogens, transferring germs from contaminated surfaces to our faces. Pathogens such as norovirus , E.Coli and MRSA are easily spread by contaminated surfaces and hand to mouth transmission.