According to the CDC, frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential in preventing infections.

Here’s how to do it the right way: Wet your hands with clean, running water of any temperature; you do not need to use painfully hot water for hand washing to be effective. Apply soap and lather ...

Even if you only use the gentle cycle in a washer, hand-washing is less harmful than the agitation and spinning forces in a washer. Some garments that have a "dry clean" label can be hand-washed.

In addition, the protocol stressed the importance of proper hand-washing and hygiene, due to concerns of pathogens. "The families of the returnees and their guests should be informed that ...