A new tool created by a teenager encourages coronavirus-conscious music-lovers to match the lyrics of their favourite song to the NHS’ recommended hand-washing procedure.
Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, public health bodies such as the NHS recommended washing hands for 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice.
To spare everyone the boredom of repeating the birthday song over and over, 17-year-old designer William Gibson created a website, Wash Your Lyrics, to generate the perfect hand-washing accompaniment.
Users can enter the title of their chosen song along with the artist to automatically generate a poster matching the lyrics to the 13-step washing routine.
According to stats shared by Mr Gibson, more than 89,000 posters were created using the website in the first day of its existence, with Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen proving the most popular choice.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock was among those to praise the “great initiative”.
People quickly customised their personal hand-washing routines using the generator, with one popular choice being All Star by Smash Mouth.
Hey All Star, wash those hands 😎 pic.twitter.com/w49FguY2P6
— Erica ✨ (@TheEricaB) March 9, 2020
While some went for pop classics, others chose more topical songs, including Clean by Taylor Swift.
can't believe clean by taylor swift works perfectly pic.twitter.com/70S0DgpOEn
— sam langford (@_slangers) March 8, 2020
One Twitter user pointed out that Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees, which is often used to time CPR, also fits well with the guidelines.
It's helpful for both CPR chest compressions AND good handwashing. Thanks, @neoncloth and, as always, The Bee Gees. pic.twitter.com/pFf5Ypu5Js
— Sidra Condron (@qwertybird) March 9, 2020
The Reduced Shakespeare Company even encouraged Bard fans to scrub while reciting Lady Macbeth’s famous “out, damned spot!” speech.
Forget singing in Happy Birthday twice: THIS is what you recite to tell you how long to wash your hands. H/t @ninjalampie pic.twitter.com/TjXMZCQbt2
— Reduced Shakespeare Company (@reduced) March 3, 2020
Mr Gibson, from Northamptonshire, said: “I kind of get a feel when I launch something for if it’s going to be popular or not and I felt like this could be something, but I didn’t expect it to get to the point where #WashYourLyrics was trending on Twitter, it’s crazy!
“People are washing their hands more which is ultimately a good thing when it comes to stopping COVID-19, and they’re having fun while doing it which makes it all the better!”