A bracelet that vibrates each time you touch your face could help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Photos shows how people can bring the virus to themselves

Designed by engineers in Seattle in the U.S., the wristband buzzes gently when you go to scratch your nose, rub your eyes or wipe your lips.

It is hoped this will not only stop you in your tracks but, over time, will train you to touch your face less. Roughly the size of a watch, the new Immutouch band contains a sensor that monitors the position of the hand ten times per second.

As the coronavirus is able to get into the body through the mucous membranes in the eyes, mouth and nose, public health advice stresses the importance of not touching our faces.

The World Health Organisation says: 'Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and make you sick.'

Two small studies of similar technology by the University of Michigan in the U.S. have shown the value of such gadgets in preventing another bad habit: trichotillomania, or compulsive hair-pulling. Wearing vibrating bracelets on each hand cut the number of hair pulls and attempted pulls by 90 per cent in one of the studies, and contributed to 'significant improvements in symptoms' in the other.

The manufacturer of the Immutouch is now conducting a study at the Autonomous University of Madrid in Spain. Ten volunteers will be monitored as they wear the bracelet to determine just how much it stops them from touching their faces.

More on Covid-19