The Government is considering requiring the public to wear gloves to combat coronavirus

Speaking in the House of Lords, Conservative Baroness McIntosh of Pickering asked: "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?"

Health minister Lord Bethell, concluding a debate on coronavirus regulations, replied: "To date, gloves are not in the guidance but they remain an area that we're looking at."

The exchanges came on the day people in England were required to start wearing face coverings in shops, shopping centres, banks, takeaways, post offices, sandwich shops and supermarkets or risk a £100 fine.