The UK government is "looking at" whether the public should wear gloves to slow the spread of coronavirus, a health minister said today.
Lord Bethell said while gloves are not currently in guidance or the law, "they remain an area that we're looking at."
He did not elaborate further.
The comment came as it became mandatory today to wear a face mask in shops, takeaways, supermarkets and stations in England.
Shopping centres, banks, sandwich shops and post offices are also covered by the law, which comes with the risk of a £100 fine.
Speaking in the House of Lords, Tory peer Baroness McIntosh raised the idea of including gloves in the regulations too.
She said lockdown laws in March "have worked extremely well" and "that is a matter of note and congratulations."
She added: "Has the Government formed a view on the use of gloves?
"Obviously we're all following the guidance of washing our hands but surely the correct use of gloves outdoors and indoors could prevent the passing on of the virus?"
Lord Bethell, concluding the debate, replied: "Thank you very much indeed for reminding us of the profound and positive impact of these regulations, something that is sometimes overlooked.
“To date, gloves are not in the guidance but they remain an area that we're looking at."
Face coverings are mandatory by law from today in England's shops, supermarkets, takeaways, transport hubs, post offices, banks and indoor shopping centres, to slow the spread of coronavirus.
But people with conditions like breathing difficulties, anxiety disorders or autism are exempt - as are children under 11.
The government has issued a face mask "exemption card" which disabled people can wear to show they don't need to cover up in the shops.
Care minister Helen Whately said: "We don’t want to see members of the public accosted for not wearing a face mask."
