Sir,

It is very disheartening to see used masks being thrown on streets, footpaths etc. Today, while on my morning walk I was shocked to see more than 50 masks thrown on the Tank Bund of Kukkarahalli Lake.

Generally, people who go for a morning walk or engage in any physical activity in the morning are considered to be most disciplined and conscious but it’s a shame on those health freaks who are throwing used masks recklessly which can cause major damage to the health of others.

Used face masks may carry germs involving the Corona or many other virus, which can survive for one or two days in this humid conditions, being a major source of infection for our community. It may also cause a potential danger to garbage collectors when they use hands to pick up the masks.

Thus it is important for the Government to treat mask as medical waste and encourage people to use reusable masks over single use surgical masks and also ensure the used masks are safely recycled and disposed of.

As a responsible citizen, it is our duty to ensure we spray disinfectant on both sides of our used mask and fold them up before putting them into a sealed plastic bag and in the dustbin. 

For the safety of others and ourselves, let’s take care of our used masks. Disinfecting them will help ensure the used masks do not become a second source of Coronavirus or any other virus. 

Let us stop that 50 masks from becoming 5,000 and a menace to the environment. Face masks saves us from this pandemic but negligent and careless disposal will cause equal trouble. 

– Harish Shenoy, Trustee, Youth for Seva, Mysuru, 19.6.2020

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]