Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => COVID-19 => Topic started by: melaniejs on 24/03/2020 10:47:43

Title: Could wearing woollen gloves slow down coronavirus spread?
Post by: melaniejs on 24/03/2020 10:47:43
Andrew has a suggestion:

Given that it's generally acknowledged that viruses spread most effectively through contact of skin with hard surfaces, would it be a good idea for people to wear woollen gloves when out and about, especially when doing things like shopping which involve touching multiple items, which are then handled by a cashier and then again by the shopper? Some gloves even work with touchscreens, allowing self-service checkouts to be used.

What does everyone think?
Title: Re: Could wearing woollen gloves slow down coronavirus spread?
Post by: Colin2B on 24/03/2020 13:54:32
Fabric tends to trap virus particles and allows them to dry out, so yes any type of glove will help.
Title: Re: Could wearing woollen gloves slow down coronavirus spread?
Post by: Bored chemist on 24/03/2020 14:17:44
On the other hand, (pun intended), knitted gloves are more difficult to wash and disinfect.
They may also lull people into a false sense of security.