As people venture out for groceries and other necessities, many are questioning just what they need to stay safe. A local expert says when it comes to masks - yes. But gloves? No.
Doctor Sarah Altamimi is an infectious disease specialist with SIH. She says masks help block potentially infected droplets from your mouth and nose... but gloves really aren't necessary.
"You cannot contract COVID-19 through touch alone. It does not absorb through the skin. And, knowing how the disease is transmitted, it should make you feel more comfortable not wearing gloves."
Altamimi says washing your hands with soap is the best way to get rid of germs from your hands, followed by an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
"If you're wearing gloves and still touching your face, there is no point to having these gloves. And gloves can harbor bacteria and viruses for touching multiple surfaces. So what we recommend is for people to wash their hands often, use hand sanitizer."
She also says following social distancing guidelines will also go a long way in protecting people from the virus.
