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The rapidly spreading coronavirus made it necessary to introduce a number of bans and restrictions, the main purpose of which is to minimize the risk of infection. They concern, inter alia, wearing face masks and latex gloves. The question therefore arises whether they can be reused, especially gloves. We were answered by dr hab. n. med. Tomasz Dzieciatkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw.
Protection against the COVID-19 coronavirus consists primarily in strict adherence to the rules of hygiene, especially thorough washing of the hands, on which the most microorganisms are transmitted. If you do not have access to running water and soap, it is best to use a disinfectant. Face masks are also protection against the coronavirus.
- Learn more: Will face masks protect me from the coronavirus?
In this case, we primarily care about the safety of other people, so as not to infect them when coughing and sneezing. Recall – WHO recommends wearing masks only to the sick and those caring for the sick. When going to the store, we should not forget to put on disposable gloves.
Can latex gloves be used repeatedly to protect against coronavirus? Dr hab. Tomasz Dzieiątkowski, MD, honestly admitted – theoretically yes, but after taking off, such disposable latex gloves will start to stick together and it is very difficult to put them on. For this reason, it is worth having at least a few pairs.
- Check if you may have contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus [RISK ASSESSMENT]
How to properly remove the gloves?
Another issue worth solving is taking the gloves off your hands so that the microorganisms do not get onto the body. In this case, it’s best to grab the glove at the wrist and then pull it off halfway. The same should be done with the second glove. Then we pull both of them so as to catch them from the inside, adjacent to the hand. Thanks to this, we will avoid direct contact with microorganisms. Of course, such gloves should be thrown in the trash right away.
- Read how to safely remove disposable gloves?
Check out other information on the coronavirus as well:
- What is the causative organism of the coronavirus?
- Coronavirus symptoms. A sudden loss of smell may indicate you have contracted the coronavirus
- These items love viruses
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected]. You will find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.