Help Stop the Spread – When to Wear Gloves

For the general public, wearing gloves is not necessary in most situations, like running errands. CDC
recommends wearing gloves when you are cleaning or caring for someone who is sick.

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and is mainly spread through droplets created when a person who is
infected coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Practice everyday preventive actions like keeping social distance (at least 6 feet) from others, washing
your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol), and
wearing a mask when you have to go out in public.

When to use gloves:
• When you are routinely cleaning and disinfecting your home. Wash your hands after you have
removed the gloves.
• When caring for someone who is sick. Wash your hands after you have removed the gloves.
When gloves aren’t needed:
• Wearing gloves outside of these instances (for example, when using a shopping cart or using an
ATM) will not necessarily protect you from getting COVID-19 and may still lead to the spread of
germs.
• The best way to protect yourself from germs when running errands and after going out is to
regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least
60% alcohol.
Protect yourself in other ways:
• Keeping social distance (at least 6 feet) from others
• Washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using a hand sanitizer with at least
60% alcohol) at key times
• Practicing everyday preventive actions

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/gloves.html