Google Doodle honors Ignaz Semmelweis, stresses importance of hand washing

Today, March 20, Google Doodle stresses the importance of proper hand washing amid the COVID-19 pandemic as it honors Hungarian physician and scientist Ignaz Semmelweis.

Dr. Semmelweis is considered one the pioneers of antiseptic procedures.

In 1847, he proposed the use chlorinated lime solution for washing while working at the Vienna General Hospital.

This was after he compared mortality rates between two maternity clinics in the hospital and came to the conclusion that post-partum infections can be lessened by disinfecting the hands of medical staff who come in contact with women who had just given birth.

Even though his theory was not immediately accepted by his peers and contemporaries during that time, his findings continue to have an impact in infection control today.

Today's Google Doodle shows a six-step tutorial on the proper way to wash one's hands. An animated Dr. Semmelweis also carries a running timer to ensure that the hands are sufficiently clean.

Due to COVID-19, the Philippines is in a state of calamity while Luzon remains under enhanced community quarantine.