The fight against the coronavirus has given birth to a whole new health threat: discarded masks and gloves.
Authorities all over the world are complaining that residents have been dropping their protective masks and gloves on the ground when swapping them out for new ones. Because victims often don't experience symptoms for up to three days after contracting the coronavirus, leaving their protective gear on the ground could spread a virus they don't even know they have, health officials say.
"Don’t throw these things on the ground," says New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. "It’s actually dangerous. It actually could put other people in harm’s way. Look, we don’t like littering to begin with, but we especially don’t like littering when there might be a deadly virus on these gloves or masks."
This has already become such a large issue in multiple states that the public health and police departments are beginning to issue fines for the unlawful littering... Over in Massachusetts, the Swampscott Police Department is fining residents up to $5,500 for throwing used masks or gloves on the ground.
“Even if they are plastic, they are not treated as curbside recycling,” David Biderman, executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), said. “You bag it to prevent the environmental harm. They should be placed in a securely tight garbage bag and be put out with the regular trash for collection.”
Check out more details on CBS Sacramento, and please, do not throw these things on the ground!!!