Northamptonshire developer's website turns your favourite song into coronavirus hand-washing routine

A new tool created by a Northamptonshire teenager encourages coronavirus-conscious music-lovers to match 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 recommend 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, 17-year-old designer William Gibson, from Brackley, created the Wash Your Lyrics website. The platform generates 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. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen proved to be the most popular choice.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock was among those to praise the website. "Tackling coronavirus is a national effort. Take a look at this great initiative," he said, retweeting a link to Wash Your Lyrics.

People quickly customised their personal hand-washing routines using the generator, with one popular choice being All Star by Smash Mouth.

One Twitter user pointed out that Stayin’ Alive by Bee Gees, which is often used to time CPR, also fits well with the guidelines.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company even encouraged Bard fans to scrub while reciting Lady Macbeth’s famous “out, damned spot!” speech.

NHS guidelines state: “Wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds.

“Always wash your hands when you get home or into work and use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available.”

  • Watch our presenters Becky Jago and Jonathan Wills give it a go

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