The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has issued advisories on the use of disposable gloves and how to take them off.
Two infographics were posted in this regard on social media by the ministry yesterday. The first advisory addresses four key aspects and provides tips, which are as follows:
1. Will wearing gloves protect me against Covid-19?
No, cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser 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.
2. When should I wear gloves?
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 and tools or handling waste.
3. How can I make sure I am using gloves safely?
Wash your hands before and after wearing gloves with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Remove and discard gloves after each use.
Change gloves if they become torn or are heavily contaminated.
Disposable gloves should never be washed or re-used.
4. 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.
The second infographic illustrates how to take off gloves (see accompanying graphic).
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