HYDERABAD: As Covid-19 cases continue to surge, discarded
masks and gloves
spotted across the city have turned into a matter of concern. A Twitter user had last week posted pictures of a road littered with used masks and gloves, which can be a potential health hazard for residents and stray animals in the area.
Speaking to TOI, Dhammai Padma, a GHMC sanitation worker said: “Masks and gloves are being discarded everywhere. We have been collecting several such safety kits that are dumped in open bins and roads every day. We are taking a few measures by not touching this waste without using gloves, but we are scared we might come in contact with the virus.”
While research suggests that live Covid-19 virus particles can live on surface for anywhere between three hours and three days, medical experts in the city say that used masks or gloves dumped in the open can directly affect at least three people.
Dr V V Ramana Prasad, a pulmonologist at KIMS Hospital said careless disposal of masks can lead to spread of the virus. “It is always better to wear a cloth mask instead of using a surgical one and discarding them unscientifically. We must ensure that we disinfect our gloves before taking them off. People don’t seem to be understanding the gravity of dumping waste in the open. This could lead to spread of the virus, which in turn will increase the risk a larger population getting infected,” said Dr Prasad.
“There is a protocol to dispose
PPE kits
and items used to test and treat patients who are infected with Covid-19 or suspected to be carrying the virus,” he added.