Dirty Gloves Don’t Offer Protection
In recent weeks you may have started to use some personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or gloves when you go to the grocery store, etc. It is important to remember that incorrect use of PPE will not protect you properly from contracting COVID-19, and may even increase your risk of cross contaminating surfaces. So if you chose to use PPE, please be mindful of how you are using it, how you put it on, when you change it, and how you remove it. PPE does not replace hand hygiene practices, social distancing, and disinfecting surfaces often. If you chose to wear gloves or a mask, please review the resources shared here to ensure you are donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) the PPE correctly:
In this video, a nurse demonstrates how using gloves inappropriately can actually put you at risk of cross contaminating surfaces as you grocery shop:
Please be aware that gloves are a surface just like your skin is a surface. If your gloved hand has touched a virus infected surface and you then touch your face, your cell phone, wallet, debit card, etc., you may run the risk of contaminating yourself with your gloved hand. Changing gloves regularly or simply practicing good hand hygiene are excellent strategies in preventing the spread of COVID-19. In the end, please do whatever makes you feel safest, but please be informed about how to do those steps properly.
Hope these resources are helpful. Until next time, stay safe friends.
~ Your friendly neighborhood dietitian
