A World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) official says washing hands can reduce the risks of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. 

W.H.O. representative, Dr. Dyxon Hansell, highlighted the point during a presentation at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) on Monday on the importance of preparedness and ways the virus can be prevented from spreading.

Among the panellists at the N.U.S. Gymnasium to witness the launching of the university’s coronavirus evacuation plan, Dr Hansell said the most vulnerable members of the population are those aged 60-years and above.

"There is 81 per cent of those coming from China have mild situations, 14 per cent have a moderate situation and five per cent have critical condition, so with the 81 per cent you may be sitting in here and may have the symptoms of the COVID-19 but you're not in a critical situation," he said. "If the person who has a virus coughs and you're within a meter then you can get it. It can also spread if you cough and cover your mouth with your hands and in a few minutes you shake hands with your friend then that's how it'll spread.”

The Doctor advised the students, staff and everyone present at the campus event to make hand washing a habit.

"Wash your hands all the time so that you won't be able to spread the COVID-19," he said.