74.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCommunityHealth & WellnessVIWMA: Improper Disposal of Masks and Gloves Is Public Health Concern

VIWMA: Improper Disposal of Masks and Gloves Is Public Health Concern

Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority

As more residents use personal protective equipment (PPE) to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (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.

VIWMA urges everyone to dispose of these materials properly during this pandemic because 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. 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 these beautiful islands.

Remember, when finished with gloves and masks, dispose of them properly in a trash receptable. All of us can do their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing sanitary behavior, properly discarding all masks, gloves and wipes and following social distancing guidelines.

For more information, contact Communications Management at 340-643-0410 or email communications@viwma.org. Also, follow VIWMA on Facebook, LinkedIn and/or Twitter.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.