Use and remove disposable gloves the correct way: Ministry

Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued a few precautionary guidelines while using disposable gloves and the right way to remove them.

Will wearing gloves protect me against Covid-19? 

• No, cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds offers more protection than wearing gloves
• You can still pick up COVID-19 infection while wearing gloves if you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose.

When should I wear gloves? 
We do not recommend using gloves for members of the public, except for specific activities, which are: 

• When performing housekeeping activities, such as general cleaning and disinfecting 
• When handling food, when providing direct care for a person suspected of having COVID-19, such as
• Handling dirty laundry, washing dishes & tools or handling waste

How can I make sure I am using gloves safely? 

• Wash your hands before and after wearing gloves with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Remove and discard gloves after each use
• Change gloves if they become torn or heavily contaminated
• Disposable gloves should never be washed or re-used

How do I avoid contaminating the gloves while wearing them? 
Gloves protect you against contact with infectious materials. However, once contaminated, gloves can become a means for spreading the infection.

While wearing gloves:
Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth, or objects on your face such as eyeglasses
Avoid touching frequently touched surfaces, such as light switches, doorknobs and elevator buttons