WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO WEAR GLOVES?

For the general public, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing gloves when you are cleaning or caring for someone who is sick.

In most other situations, like running errands, wearing gloves is not necessary. Instead, practise everyday preventive actions like keeping social distance (at least six feet) from others, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using a hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol), and wearing a cloth face covering when you have to go out in public.

When routinely cleaning and disinfecting your home, follow precautions listed on the disinfectant product label, which may include:

– Wearing gloves (reusable or disposable).

– Having good ventilation by turning on a fan or opening a window to get fresh air into the room you’re cleaning.

– Wash your hands after you have removed the gloves.

WHEN CARING FOR THE SICK

· Use disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting the area around the person who is sick or other surfaces that may be frequently touched in the home.

· Use disposable gloves when touching or having contact with blood, stool, or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit, and urine.

· After using disposable gloves, throw them out in a lined trash can. Do not disinfect or reuse the gloves.

· Wash your hands after you have removed the gloves.

WHEN GLOVES AREN’T NEEDED

Wearing gloves outside of these instances (for example, when using a shopping cart or using an ATM) will not necessarily protect you from getting COVID-19 and may still lead to the spread of germs. The best way to protect yourself from germs when running errands and after going out is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use a hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol.