Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has already infected over 490,000 people around the world since it began in Wuhan, China.
The virus spreads much in the same way colds and the flu does – from droplets whenever someone coughs or sneezes.
This is why it's important to constantly wash our hands and to avoid touching our face when we've touched surfaces.
Now according to an Australian nurse, the deadly virus could also spread from our nails.
A woman posted on Facebook revealing she was given the warning by the medic while many people have been prioritising washing their hands well.
She said: “Among all the hand-washing instructions and the fun 20-second song suggestions, I haven't seen anyone note that it is impossible to wash your hands properly if your fingernails are long.”
The woman revealed how there is a simple test you can do at home to see whether your nails are too long and need to be cut.
She continued: “If you can't put your fingernails straight down against your other palm without your nails adding too much distance to do it, you cannot wash under your fingernails properly unless you use a nail brush every time."
The Facebook user also warned people who have long nails that hand sanitiser “won’t do the trick”.
She wrote: “If you can't rub the very ends of your fingers against the other palm, then your hands aren't truly clean after you wash them, no matter how long you soap up. Please, during this global emergency, keep your nails short."
Coronavirus: What you need to know
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night told Brits to avoid pubs, clubs and theatres
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All over-70s, pregnant women and adults who would normally ask to have a flu vaccine were told to "avoid all social contact"
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The UK's coronavirus death toll hit 60 – with nearly 2,000 confirmed cases so far
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It emerged that over 250,000 people would have died under the government's initial plan
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Supermarkets across Britain slashed their services to stay open during the coronavirus outbreak
Previously, it has been revealed that biting your nails could also put you at risk of catching the killer bug.
Puri Tarikh, an allergy and infectious disease specialist with New York University’s Langone Medical Center, is discouraging people to touch their faces in general.
She said: “Every time you touch your face – especially your mouth, nose and eyes – you’re transferring all of those germs. And you can get sick.”
The specialist also added that germs that go directly into your mouth is “the easiest way you can contract any infection”.
- Coronavirus
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