A number of Kenyans have resorted to wearing gloves in order to protect themselves from Covid-19 when touching surfaces that might be contaminated.
In a press briefing on Thursday, April 9, Amoth revealed the dangers of wearing gloves, “Gloves are supposed to be used for a particular purpose and then be discarded.
“Our people are wearing gloves from morning to evening, they are sweating, gloves have holes and that brings a lot of complacencies, therefore they forget to wash their hands.”
A medical personnel holding a Covid-19 virus test kit.
According to various experts around the world, gloves do not fully protect against the virus largely because of how it is transmitted.
Amoth added that studies have not proven wearing of gloves protects against Covid-19, “Research has not shown any advantage of wearing gloves in terms of protection against Covid-19 infections unless used in a healthcare facility.
“Please avoid wearing gloves unless, you are a healthcare worker and if you want to use gloves, use them and immediately you finish using them please dispose of them appropriately.”
Amoth added that another danger that you are exposed to when you wear gloves for too long is that, involuntarily people are bound to touch their face.
Reason being when you wear gloves for too long then it could be contaminated and the moment you touch your face that puts you at risk of getting the Covid-19 disease.
Thoroughly washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap remains the best defence against the deadly virus.
Another danger according to experts is that the virus sticks well to latex and other types of gloves.
As of Thursday, April 8, the country had reported a total number of 184 positive cases, 12 recoveries and 7 fatalities.
A medical practitioner dressed in protective gear at Coronavirus isolation and treatment facility in Mbagathi District Hospital on Friday, March 6, 2020.
Simon Kiragu
kenyagist.com
