The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Tuesday revealed that used face masks were being picked from dumps for resale by some unscrupulous Nigerians.
The Chairman of the task force and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, raised the alarm at the PTF press briefing in Abuja.
He warned that such a practice was unhealthy and would worsen the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
WuzupNigeria recalled that after the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on April 27 ordered the gradual reopening of the economy in a nationwide broadcast, the PTF gave guidelines that would assist in flattening the COVID-19 curve in the country.
Among the guidelines are the compulsory use of face masks and maintaining social distance in public places. The government also banned a gathering of over 20 people and interstate movements.
Reviewing Nigerians’ adherence to the guidelines, Mustapha noted that people were still sharing face masks.
He said,
“The unhealthy practice of picking disposed masks for whatever purpose is harmful to both the individual picking them and whoever procures them later.
“The PTF has become aware of the ongoing practice of sharing masks and picking of masks for recycling from dumpsites. This places a lot of responsibility on all of us to be self-educated and to educate others.
“The following points are emphasised: Except for fabric masks, every disposable used mask is a hazardous medical waste and should be disposed of properly, preferably by burning.
“It is very risky to share masks as the virus is capable of remaining on surfaces for several hours and you could get infected.”
