The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, has said that the picking of face masks from dumpsites by some Nigerians for the purpose of recycling would worsen the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
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Mustapha, while speaking at the daily PTF briefing, said that the team was aware of the ongoing practice of sharing masks.
The PTF has become aware of the ongoing practice of sharing masks and picking of masks for recycling from dumpsters.
This places a lot of responsibilities on all of us to be self-educated and to educate others.
The following points are emphasised: With the exception of 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.
The unhealthy practice of picking up disposed masks for whatever purpose is harmful to both the individual picking it and whoever procures it later.
As part of efforts to limit the spread of the COVID-19, the Federal Government recommended the use of face masks by all Nigerian.
Earlier, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, said that the use of non-medical masks “do not prevent one from contracting COVID19 but, they have been found to contribute to reducing the spread of infections when used widely with other preventive measures.”
Self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of cloth (textile fabric), non-woven wadding or paper-like materials all fall under the category of non-medical masks.
NAFDAC recommends 100 per cent cotton, even though polyester, linen, or knit fabric can be used.
It also recommended that the non-medical masks be washed daily and “preferably should be a double layer of fabric to increase the absorbency and effectiveness.”
