Coronavirus infections are now approaching 100,000 globally, as health officials take increasingly strict measures to prohibit the spread of the virus. As authorities implement new rules for extraterritorial travel, the general public has taken precautions themselves, with an increasing number of people donning masks to prevent infection.

Can gloves protect against the coronavirus?

Coronavirus, otherwise known by its official designation SARS-CoV-2 and its disease COVID-19, achieved aerosol transmission when it first appeared in 2019.

Aerosol capabilities allow a virus to spread via droplets in the air, which either get trapped in people’s mucus membranes or breathed in.

One of the core methods of transmission for COVID-19 is via surfaces when people get the virus on their hands, and they touch their faces.

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Most people protect from hand to mouth infection by wearing face masks, which are not completely protective, as they leave the eyes exposed.

Much like the nose and mouth, eyes contain mucus membranes, which serve as viable avenues for the virus to enter the body.

Health officials insist the best protection against coronavirus is ensuring people have clean hands, accomplished by regular washing or by applying hand sanitiser.

Gloves would logically serve as another viable protection against COVID-19, but health officials say they are most effective in a clinical setting.

Public Health England (PHE) does not recommend people wear gloves or face masks while the coronavirus is in circulation.

They say people should prioritise good personal hygiene above all else, as precautionary coverings provide a false sense of security.

PHE advises: “The best way to protect yourself and others is: wash your hands with soap and water or use a sanitiser gel, regularly throughout the day.

“Catch your cough or sneeze in a tissue, bin it, and wash your hands.”

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“If you have recently arrived back from specified areas, follow the returning traveller advice.”

The government only advises people to use gloves or face coverings if living with someone who suspects they have COVID-19.

Over the next few months, people may find someone they live with, whether it be a family member of flatmate, is sent home to self-isolate.

Self-isolation requires potential COVID-19 travellers to stay at home as they await testing or for their symptoms to pass.

Health agencies have advised people living with isolated individuals to take certain precautions against infections.

Among those precautions is regular cleaning, as people should ensure they clean “high-touch” surfaces every day.

While cleaning, organisations advise people to keep cleaning areas well ventilated, and wear gloves while applying solutions.

People should also ensure they wear gloves where there is potential contact with a COVID-19 sufferer’s bodily fluids.

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