The battle against the coronavirus could be solved if people sing the national anthem whilst washing their hands according to the British government.
Senior British Cabinet Ministers are advising people to wash their hands while singing ‘God Save The Queen’.
Health officials say people should clean their hands for approximately 20 seconds. But there is no need for an egg-timer, singing the national anthem will ensure hands have been sufficiently washed.
Leader of the House of Commons Jacob Rees-Mogg told journalists on Monday morning: “Wash your hands to the national anthem.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock also relayed the advice, saying: “You should [wash your hands] for 20 seconds or more, and the way we explain it to children is that you should sing.
“Wash your hands for as long as you’re singing either Happy Birthday or God Save The Queen.”
But how many verses should one sing when engaging in hand washing, and which version of the song is best?
Benjamin Britten’s arrangement of the National Anthem could see people washing their hands for up to two-and-a-half minutes if sang in full.
However, it has been widely suggested that the first verse of the anthem is sufficient, not least because the majority of Britons do not know more than the first few lines.
The lyrics to God Save The Queen
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen!
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen!
O Lord our God arise,
Scatter our enemies,
And make them fall!
Confound their politics,
Frustrate their knavish tricks,
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all!
Not in this land alone,
But be God’s mercies known,
From shore to shore!
Lord make the nations see,
That men should brothers be,
And form one family,
The wide world ov’er.
From every latent foe,
From the assasins blow,
God save the Queen!
O’er her thine arm extend,
For Britain’s sake defend,
Our mother, prince, and friend,
God save the Queen!
Thy choicest gifts in store,
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign!
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen!
Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the Queen!
