Wearing gloves does not substitute hand washing recommendations (i.e. washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol). 

If available, gloves can be worn while caring for someone with COVID-19 and when you need to be within 2 metres of them. In addition, gloves can be worn when touching the environment or soiled items of someone with COVID-19.

Avoid touching your face with gloved hands. Ensure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after removing gloves. Disposable gloves should not be re-used.

Read more here:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. How to care for someone with COVID-19 at home. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/how-care-someone-covid-19-home.html

In general, gloves are not necessary for most situations (e.g. running errands). It is important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

You may wear gloves when:

• Cleaning/disinfecting your home when someone who is sick has been in your home over the past day
• When caring for someone who is ill

Wash your hands after removing gloves.

There may be additional guidelines for wearing gloves in healthcare and work settings.

Read more here: 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wearing Gloves. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/gloves.html

Wearing gloves in the community is not recommended.

Read more here:

1. World Health Organization. Q&A: Considerations for the cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces in the context of COVID-19 in non-health care settings.https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-considerations-for-the-cleaning-and-disinfection-of-environmental-surfaces-in-the-context-of-covid-19-in-non-health-care-settings