[melaniejs (OP)]

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?

[Colin2B]

Fabric tends to trap virus particles and allows them to dry out, so yes any type of glove will help.

[Bored chemist]

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.