The Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had warned against the unhealthy practice of some Nigerians who pick disposed face masks from dumpsites, wash and sell them.
The Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, gave the warning at the PTF Press Briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. He warned that such a practice would worsen the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
Mustapha disclosed this while reviewing the adherence of Nigerians to the guidelines, he said people are still sharing face masks.
According to him, “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 placed a lot of responsibility on all of us to be self-educated and to educate others.
“The following points are emphasized: 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.”
