Those of us who aren’t front-line health care workers are not used to wearing masks and donning gloves, let alone the safest way to wear them and remove them. Here are simple instructions for putting them on and taking them off that you can also share with your family. Feel free to also print out the posters for your home or office.
Perform Hand Hygiene Before Putting on Gloves
Handwashing is important at all times, not just during pandemics. Frequent handwashing is the best way to kill bacteria and viruses that spread germs. If soap and water are not available, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Always wash your hands:
- After using the bathroom or changing a diaper.
- Before and after preparing food.
- Before eating.
- Before and after taking care of sick family members.
- After sneezing or coughing.
- After smoking.
- If your hands are visibly soiled.
How to Remove Gloves and Not Contaminate Your Hands
- Grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist. Do not touch your bare skin.
- Peel the glove away from your body, pulling it inside out.
- Hold the glove you just removed in your gloved hand.
- Peel off the second glove by putting your fingers inside the glove at the top of your wrist.
- Turn the second glove inside out while pulling it away from your body, leaving the first glove inside the second.
- Dispose of the gloves safely. Do not reuse the gloves.
- Clean your hands immediately after removing gloves.
Click here for the printable poster on how to remove gloves.
Click here for the video on how to remove gloves.
How to Wear a Cloth Face Covering
Cloth face coverings should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face.
- Cover from above your nose to under your chin.
- Be secured with ties or ear loops.
- Include multiple layers of fabric.
- Allow for breathing without restriction.
- Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.
Simple cloth face coverings can slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus, and do not know it, from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
How to Safely Remove a Used Cloth Face Covering
- Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth when removing their cloth face covering. Wash hands immediately after removing.
- Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly, especially if used frequently. A washing machine is sufficient for sterilizing/cleaning a cloth face covering.
Click here for the printable poster on cloth face coverings, including how-to instructions to make them at home.