FREDERIKSTED — As more residents use personal protective equipment (PPE) to slow the spread of the corona virus, COVID-19, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the public that the increase in improperly discarded gloves and masks is an environmental concern as well as a health concern in the territory.
The VIWMA urges everyone to dispose of these materials properly during this pandemic, it is even more crucial now, then ever before.
“No one should discard used plastic masks or gloves in grocery store parking lots or anywhere else around the islands,” VIWMA spokeswoman Melody Rames said. “No one should be tossing these materials out of cars to have them land on the roadsides or get stuck in the bushes. Discarded PPE is contaminated PPE.”
This unnecessary litter increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and spoils the beauty of our beautiful islands, according to VIWMA.
“Remember, when you are finished with your gloves and mask, dispose of them properly in a trash receptacle,” Rames said. “Everyone can do their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing sanitary behavior, properly discarding all masks, gloves and wipes as well as following social
distancing guidelines.”
To read more:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/04/09/discarded-gloves-masks-coronavirus/