As states ease restrictions across the country, more people are venturing out after months of lockdown. But experts warn that the coronavirus is still a threat and those who do decide to visit public places should continue to protect themselves. While wearing a face mask in public is a must to prevent infection according to health officials, there is a debate on whether you need to wear gloves.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the disease mainly spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. However, the agency also admits that the virus could linger on surfaces and can be transmitted by touching that surface and subsequently touching your face.

“It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes,” states the CDC on its website. “This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but we are still learning more about how this virus spread.”

According to Fox News, the agency lists hand washing as the best way to protect yourself adding that wearing gloves is only necessary when caring for an infected person.

“In most other situations, like running errands, wearing gloves is not necessary,” the agency states.

Dr. David Cennimo, an infectious disease specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, told Fox News he agrees with this advice:

“Wash your hands. Although there is no definitive data confirming that hand washing is necessarily better, gloves are just as contaminated as a person’s hands. If someone wears gloves for prolonged periods of time, and are touching their face with the gloves, they’re not helping themselves at all. Hence, washing hands or carrying a hand sanitizer is an easier and more sensible option.”

Wash hands with soap and water or with an 70% alcohol-based solution for 20 seconds, says the CDC. The agency still recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as “tables, doorknobs, light switched, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks,” according to Fox News.