The threat of vandalism has seen hand soap removed from many public toilets, but the threat of COVID-19 could bring it back.

The World Health Organization (WHO) describes hand hygiene as “the most important measure to avoid the transmission of harmful germs and prevent health care-associated infections”.

With close to 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia (official government updates are accessible here), it is particularly important that public health messages are cutting through. 

Official advice from federal Department of Health says “washing your hands often with soap and water” helps stop the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases.

But the Food Safety Information Council says soap is disappearing from public bathrooms.

The council’s spokesperson Lydia Buchtmann says handwashing is a “really simple action to stop flu, coronavirus, norovirus and also food poisoning”.

A recent study found Australians are pretty bad at handwashing, with 20 per cent admitting they do not wash their hands after going to the toilet.

“We were quite surprised a considerable amount — a fifth of Australians — said they don't always wash their hands after going to a toilet,” Ms Buchtmann said.

“And a third admit they don't always wash their hands before touching food.

“This is such a basic public health message that's been around since Florence Nightingale's day.”

But councils have been removing soap dispensers from public toilets because of safety concerns. They claim soap dispensers are frequently vandalised or destroyed, and soap spillage on floors can create a slip hazard.

A group called Design Out Crime and the CPTED Centre trains professionals on design principles that can prevent crime. These design principles allow for soap dispensers to be removed.

The group’s CEO Dr Terence Love says this thinking may change.

“If there is a service causing a problem which isn't essential such as soap dispensers, then removing the problem is a common practice Australia-wide,” Dr Love said.

“In light of the coronavirus, this balance might shift.”