Are Gloves Necessary?

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COVID-19 also known as the coronavirus is a respiratory virus, spread through droplets. These droplets are created when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has advised everyone to wear a mask/face covering, to continuously wash their hands, and has encouraged a social distance of six feet to prevent the direct spreading of the virus, but what about gloves?

When caring for someone who is sick, in a healthcare setting or at home, the use of disposable gloves is advised. It is recommended when cleaning and disinfecting an area that a sick person may have frequently touched or when coming into contact with any type of bodily fluid. Do not reuse the same gloves, instead properly dispose of them in a lined trash can and wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds.

It is common to see people wearing latex gloves while completing everyday tasks. According to the CDC, running errands does not require gloves. If you can keep a proper social distance and continue to wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol, while wearing a cloth face covering, you do not need gloves.

Gloves are not necessary while completing errands, and in fact, give a false sense of security when doing so. COVID-19 adheres to latex and many other types of gloves, which if you touch your face, can expose you directly to the virus. The best defense against COVID-19 is thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds.