DETROIT – Many people are throwing the rubber gloves they are wearing on the ground, which is dangerous, especially in the middle of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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If you choose to wear gloves, there is a proper way to safely remove and dispose of them.
How to safely remove gloves:
- Pinch the outside cuff of the glove off your wrist and pull forward.
- Pull the glove off so it’s inside out.
- Grab the glove you just removed in your hand with your dirty glove still on.
- Insert your clean finger between the glove and your wrist to pull the glove off while holding the first balled up glove.
- Pull the glove inside out over the first glove, creating a ball.
Once you’ve balled up the gloves, you can put it in your pocket until you can throw it in the trash.
When you are wearing gloves, make sure you don’t touch your face or mask, as the gloves are just as contaminated as your hands.
MORE: Saginaw nurse goes viral with video on germs, cross-contamination
Also, make sure you wash your hands, even if you have been wearing gloves. They are an extra layer of protection, but they aren’t infallible.
Here is a video showing how to remove gloves:
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.