Should I Stop Wearing My Wedding Ring in Light of Coronavirus Handwashing?

If we have learned anything during the COVID-19 virus pandemic, it’s how to wash our hands.

At least 20 seconds.

While singing “Happy Birthday” at least twice.

Making sure to cover both your fingers and your palms with soap and water.

Clean towel for drying.

Now, more than ever, something we might have taken for granted previously could be the most significant way to stop the spread of the coronavirus and to help keep us protected during these uncertain times.

But what do you do if you wear rings?

Should you stop wearing them?

There are some rings many of us never usually take off, like our engagement or wedding ring. There has not been a lot of discussion about that part of the handwashing process and what to do or not to do regarding jewelry.

We do know that germs can certainly live and exist beneath our ring bands. While this is not relegated to the coronavirus specifically, it makes a lot of sense to remove any obstructions to the hands, like wedding rings, even watches, prior to washing. Not only are you getting rid of potentially compromised surfaces, but you are creating the best possible scenario to clean your skin completely and free of impediments.

Because the coronavirus can live on surfaces outside of the body, and be transmitted via those surfaces, it might be in your best interest to stop wearing your rings during this time when the threat is higher. You can, of course, continue to wear your rings if you wish. However, if you do continue to wear them, make sure you remove them to wash your hands, and only to put them back on after you thoroughly dry your hands – and always follow the recommended handwashing guidelines of the CDC.

And since washing your hands the proper way should remove all germs from your skin, you should also wash your wedding ring, or any other removed jewelry, before putting it back onto your hand. You should probably not put potentially dirty jewelry back on clean hands.

Stay safe and well out there everyone. Thank you for reading. Please like and share this post.