Used masks can turn into threat in Hyderabad

Moulika.KV | TNN | Updated: Apr 27, 2020, 06:41 IST

Residents dispose of a mask on the road in Khairatabad on Sunday

HYDERABAD: Even as the world is fighting to contain the spread of Covid-19, the habit of discarding used masks and gloves in the open along with other trash is a matter of growing concern in the city.
Discarded masks and gloves have been spotted in several places across the city, a few even flying off the open garbage bins.
“We have been collecting several discarded masks and gloves while we are cleaning the roads in the city. They are found in parking lots, residential colonies, sidewalks and around open garbage bins. People simply throw them on the roads after usage,” said P Narayana, a GHMC sanitation worker.
The used mask or gloves might turn out to be one of the biggest potential sources of virus transmission, medical experts said.
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 the used masks or gloves discarded in open can directly affect at least three people.
“An infected mask or a glove thrown in the open is like one extra person on the street. As per the public health calculation, one person is liable to infect at least three people on an average. We should at least ensure that these masks are properly disposed off in closed or one way bins so that they do not litter the streets and become a health hazard to someone else,” said Dr S A Rafi, consultant pulmonologist, CARE Hospital.
“Even if we do not have the Covid-19 crisis, it is a civic responsibility of every person to discard waste responsibly,” he added.
Dr V V Ramana Prasad, pulmonologist, KIMS Hospital said improper disposal of masks could lead to spread of the virus.