MILWAUKEE — The CDC said you should not touch your face to prevent spreading COVID-19. We touch our faces all the time, though. That's why TMJ4 went to the UW-Milwaukee Student Union to learn just how hard that is and how often we do it.
In two hours, TMJ4 reporter James Groh captured 34 different people touching their faces in some capacity. Thousands of people go inside the Student Union, so it's likely more people felt their faces that our cameras did not catch.
"...I do know I do touch it a lot. I have my hand sanitizer," UW-Milwaukee student Shpresa Shabani said.
"...still funny that you noticed that. I didn't even notice that at all," UW-Milwaukee student Jamous Powell, said.
"Sometimes, you don't think about it. You just do it," UW-Milwaukee student Jessica Perez said.
We always touch our faces throughout the day. It can be a hard habit to kick. However, The CDC said it's important we try our best to stop doing so. If our hands come in contact with the virus, and then we touch our face, the likelihood of transmitting the virus to ourselves increases.
There are a few things you can do to stop touching your face so much.
- Set a reminder on your phone to go off periodically throughout the day that keeps you self-aware of not touching your face
- Keep your hands occupied. Use a pen, pencil, type, hold a stress ball or other fidget
- Be mindful of when you do touch your face, so you know what triggers you to do so
Truth be told, it's hard. TMJ4 reporter James Groh recorded himself while working on this story to learn how many times he touched his face. Even though he was filming himself for a story, he was working on about not touching your face. He still touched his face four times in 10 minutes. It's not easy, but everything we can do to help prevent COVID-19 is worthwhile.
Also, another reminder to please wash your hands.