Availability of Hand Sanitizers in Food Establishments of New York City: An Observational Study.

Abstract

Hand hygiene is a crucial tool to limit the transmission of common respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. While hand sanitizers were ubiquitous early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of food establishments that have adequately maintained them remains unknown. Through systematic observations in 89 New York City food establishments, we found that hand sanitizer dispensers were present in only 40% of the stores, and only 23% had functional ones. This scarcity highlights the necessity of providing ongoing support to small business owners nationwide to promote and maintain primary prevention measures at all times, extending beyond periods of public health crises.