Hacker News Reader

The other passengers on public transit (presumably) don’t have their abdominal cavities opened up 12 inches in front of the doctor’s face.

Public spaces are not assumed to be sterile, so the normal precautions still apply.

They take their gloves off too.

Surely you don't suggest the gloves are for protecting the doctor's hands?

Actually, they protect both parties - the doctor from blood (or other fluid) born pathogens, and the patient from anything on the doctor's skin.

Your point is well taken though, I just wanted to clarify for any future readers since misconceptions about PPE seem to abound.