Teenager creates website that pairs lyrics from any song to hand-washing instructions amid coronavirus outbreak

Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus, the NHS has recommended washing hands for at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes for you to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.

But William Gibson, 17, who was tired of singing "Happy Birthday" has created a website that pairs the lyrics from any song with instructions on how to wash your hands properly.

WashYourLyrics.com, which was created in less than 24 hours, allows users to enter the title of their chosen song along with the artist.

The website then automatically generates a poster matching the lyrics to the 13-step washing routine infographic produced by the NHS.

More than 89,000 posters were created using the website when it launched on March 8, according to stats shared by William.

The top four songs generated were "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley, "All Star" by Smash Mouth, and "Africa" by Toto.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock was among those to praise the "great initiative".

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We all have a role to play in spotting this disease and that’s what this expanded campaign is all about - making sure the public knows exactly what they should be doing to keep themselves and others safe.

“Washing hands regularly is the single most important thing that an individual can do.”

The NHS says that you should wash your hands with soap and water often, for a period of at least 20 seconds.

Start by applying enough soap to cover your hands, rub them together and remember to scrub the backs of your hands and in between your fingers on either hand.

The NHS says that for non-automated taps, you should use a disposable towel to turn off the tap to stop it running, instead of using your freshly cleaned hands.