The novel coronavirus pandemic remains a threat to the global healthcare system due to its rapid propagation (1). With the route of transmission similar to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Severe acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), people easily get infected through direct contact and/or droplet infections. It is estimated that a patient with COVID-19 may infect 2.2 people (2) and the number of infections doubles every 6.4 days on average (3). One remarkable feature of the pandemic is its “super spreading” potential. Super spreading is the phenomenon where there is heightened transmission of the virus to at least eight contacts and this has been previously seen in outbreaks, such as SARS, MERS and Influenza (4). Infected individuals exhibit severe pneumonia, sepsis, respiratory distress, organ failure and even death (5). Prevention is the key approach in controlling, treating and defeating the COVID-19 pandemic (6). The World Health Organization has outlined various preventive measures, which include frequent handwashing with soap and warm water, hand sanitizing in the absence of handwashing, wearing facemask and physical distance but only a third of Americans are complying with it (7).

On average, people touch their face up to 2000 times per day (8). It is recommended that individuals avoid touching the mouth, nose or eyes to prevent the spread of the virus to at risk areas of the body. Also, individuals must avoid crowded locations or gatherings like parties, funerals and amusement parks to reduce the risk of transmission.