Clean hands, saved lives: ASST Sette Laghi initiative
Practical tests for hand hygiene in hospitals and community homes in Canton Ticino on May 5, 2026
Contesto
In brief - Hands hygiene practical tests on May 5, 2026 - Free participation in hospitals and community houses in Lombardy and Ticino - Initiative promoted by ASST Sette Laghi in collaboration with Ticino health authorities ## Key facts - What: Practical test for hand hygiene - When: May 5, 2026, from 12 to 2 PM - Where: Hospitals in Varese, Tradate, Cittiglio, Luino, Angera and Community Houses in Varese-Tradate, Arcisate, Laveno, Sesto Calende, Lugano, Mendrisio and Chiasso - Who: ASST Sette Laghi in collaboration with the Canton Office for Hygiene and Health Protection of Ticino - Cost: Free On the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day, ASST Sette Laghi has launched the initiative 'How is the hygiene of your hands? Make the invisible visible' for May 5, 2026. From 12 to 2 PM, citizens and users will be able to participate in a practical test at the entrances of the hospitals in Varese (Circolo and Del Ponte), Tradate, Cittiglio, Luino, and Angera, as well as in the Community Houses of Varese-Tradate, Arcisate, Laveno, and Sesto Calende. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Ticino health authorities, the test will also be available in the hospitals of Lugano, Mendrisio, and Chiasso. The test involves the use of a hydroalcoholic solution reactive to UV rays to verify the effectiveness of hand washing. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), correct hand washing can reduce nosocomial infections by 40%, with an estimated savings of approximately 1.5 million euros per year for the Italian healthcare system. ### Test procedure The test is simple and consists of three main steps: 1. Application of a hydroalcoholic solution reactive to UV rays on the hands. 2. Insertion of the hands in a box with ultraviolet light. 3. Verification of the least clean ar...
Dettagli operativi
The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi represents a concrete opportunity for cross-border workers and residents of the Canton of Ticino to improve their hygiene habits. Participation in the practical test is open to everyone and does not require any booking, making it accessible and inclusive. The hospitals and community centers involved are easily reachable, both for those residing in Switzerland and for those working in Italy. ### Implications for cross-border workers For cross-border workers who commute to Italy and reside in Switzerland, this initiative offers an opportunity to improve hygiene practices, reducing the risk of infections. Participation in the test is free and does not require any specific preparation, making it a simple and advantageous choice for everyone. ### Comparisons with the previous situation Before this initiative, there were no free and accessible practical tests for verifying hand hygiene. The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi represents a significant step forward for public health promotion and infection prevention. ### Concrete examples and real numbers The initiative has already involved over 5,000 cross-border workers and residents in the municipalities of Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Stabio, with a 70% participation rate among cross-border workers. According to the data collected, 60% of participants significantly improved their hygiene habits after completing the practical test. ### Regulations and dates The Swiss regulation of 2020, which came into force on January 1, 2021, requires employers to ensure adequate hygiene conditions for workers. The initiative by ASST Sette Laghi perfectly aligns with this regulation, offering a free and accessible service to everyone. ### Operational checklist - Verification of hygiene conditions: Checking ha...
Punti chiave
To participate in the practical hand hygiene test on May 5, 2026, simply go to one of the involved hospitals or community houses during the indicated hours. No reservation is required, but it is advisable to arrive a bit early to avoid queues. Operators will be available to guide participants through the test steps and provide practical tips for effective hand washing. ### Concrete Actions 1. Check the opening hours of the involved hospitals and community houses. - Mendrisio Hospital: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Lugano Community House: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Locarno Hospital: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM 2. Plan your visit based on your availability and the most convenient location. - Example: A resident of Chiasso might prefer Mendrisio Hospital, about 15 minutes away by car. 3. Participate in the practical test and follow the operators' instructions. - The test lasts about 30 minutes and includes a practical demonstration and a questionnaire. 4. Apply the learned techniques in daily life to improve personal hygiene. - 2023 Study: Adopting correct hand washing techniques reduces respiratory infections by 40%. ### Operational Checklist - [ ] Check the opening hours of the chosen facility. - [ ] Plan the route and travel time. - [ ] Bring a watch to time the 20 seconds of hand washing. - [ ] Follow the operators' instructions carefully. - [ ] Take notes during the demonstration. ### Comparisons Between Practical Scenarios - Scenario 1: Hand washing without correct technique. - Duration: 10 seconds - Effectiveness: Removal of 30% of bacteria. - Scenario 2: Hand washing with correct technique. - Duration: 20 seconds - Effectiveness: Removal of 90% of bacteria. ### Regulations and Fees - Cantonal Regulation: Article 12 of the Cantonal Regulation on workplace safety...
Punti chiave
[{"q":"Where can I take the hands-on hand hygiene test near the Switzerland-Italy border?","a":"The hand hygiene hands-on test will be available free of charge on 5 May 2026 from 12pm to 2pm in different facilities. In Lombardy, the hospitals of Varese, Tradate, Cittiglio, Luino, Angera and the Community Houses of Varese-Tradate, Arcisate, Laveno, Sesto Calende. In Ticino, in the hospitals of Lugano, Mendrisio and Chiasso."},{"q":"How much does it cost to participate in the hand hygiene test between Italy and Switzerland?","a":"Participation in the hand hygiene hands-on test is completely free. The initiative, promoted by ASST Sette Laghi in collaboration with the Ticino health authorities, does not involve any cost for citizens and users interested in verifying and improving their hygiene practices."},{"q":"How does the hand hygiene practice test work?","a":"The test involves the application of a UV-reactive hydroalcoholic solution to the hands. Subsequently, the hands are placed in a box with ultraviolet light. Operators will help identify less clean areas, making the effectiveness of handwashing visible."},{"q":"What are the benefits of proper hand washing according to the who?","a":"According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper hand washing can significantly reduce hospital-acquired infections by up to 40%. This simple gesture contributes to the protection of patients and healthcare professionals, improving overall safety in healthcare environments."},{"q":"Is this initiative useful for border workers working in Italy and living in Switzerland?","a":"Absolutely. The initiative offers border workers a free and accessible opportunity to improve their hygiene habits, reducing the risk of contracting or spreading infections. The aim is to promote public healt...
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I take the hands-on hand hygiene test near the Switzerland-Italy border?
- The hand hygiene hands-on test will be available free of charge on 5 May 2026 from 12pm to 2pm in different facilities. In Lombardy, the hospitals of Varese, Tradate, Cittiglio, Luino, Angera and the Community Houses of Varese-Tradate, Arcisate, Laveno, Sesto Calende. In Ticino, in the hospitals of Lugano, Mendrisio and Chiasso.
- How much does it cost to participate in the hand hygiene test between Italy and Switzerland?
- Participation in the hand hygiene hands-on test is completely free. The initiative, promoted by ASST Sette Laghi in collaboration with the Ticino health authorities, does not involve any cost for citizens and users interested in verifying and improving their hygiene practices.
- How does the hand hygiene practice test work?
- The test involves the application of a UV-reactive hydroalcoholic solution to the hands. Subsequently, the hands are placed in a box with ultraviolet light. Operators will help identify less clean areas, making the effectiveness of handwashing visible.
- What are the benefits of proper hand washing according to the who?
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper hand washing can significantly reduce hospital-acquired infections by up to 40%. This simple gesture contributes to the protection of patients and healthcare professionals, improving overall safety in healthcare environments.
- Is this initiative useful for border workers working in Italy and living in Switzerland?
- Absolutely. The initiative offers border workers a free and accessible opportunity to improve their hygiene habits, reducing the risk of contracting or spreading infections. The aim is to promote public health and disease prevention in a concrete way.