Disposable nitrile gloves in pandemic times

At the beginning of 2020, the world changed forever. It has been almost 02 years since the pandemic took hold, and staying safe and healthy is still a priority for people. Due to this, disposable nitrile gloves, among other PPE products, became a must in Canada and the rest of the world. Governments invested millions in PPE products for the medical and healthcare sector, trying their best to keep the population safe and away from the virus.

Canada and COVID-19: Nitrile gloves are so demanded

On January 25th of 2020, Canada registered its first official Coronavirus case when an individual who had returned from Wuhan tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, the demand for single-use or disposable nitrile gloves and many other PPE items have increased significantly, and manufacturers and suppliers increased production and distribution like never before. But why are nitrile gloves one of the most demanded ones? In simple words, the pandemic has changed our perspective of the risk for infection from contact, and we use our hands to grab/touch/hold everything, so hands are in constant contact with our surroundings.

Here is the question: Do gloves protect us against COVID?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about the limited protective efficacy of gloves and we are not exempt from getting infected with the virus by simply using gloves. However, every measure adds an extra level of protection and gives us the feeling of being more secure but keep in mind that the incorrect use of gloves can lead to the opposite results and increase the risk of self infection.

When to use disposable nitrile gloves?

If you are a healthcare worker or a medical professional, you must use nitrile gloves at all times to reduce the risk of contamination from hand contact with blood and other body fluids and change them with every patient. Nowadays, if you are working in any other sector, you should wear gloves during your whole shift and change them whenever is needed during the working hours. In domestic or day-to-day situations, use nitrile gloves if you are helping someone sick, especially if making contact with organic fluids.

Don't forget to change gloves after having physical contact with the infected person, before touching any surface, and wash your hands before and after wearing new gloves.