Punjab LG&CD urges proper disposal of masks, gloves

Hospitals will follow guidelines issued by health department

LAHORE: Punjab Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi has directed the authorities concerned to make arrangements for appropriate disposal of used masks, gloves and other such items in the municipal waste.

In a letter to all deputy commissioners, administrators, chief officers and managing directors of the waste management companies across the province, the secretary directed them to take certain measures for adequate disposal of used safety items such as masks, gloves, cover shoes and full-body kits found in the municipal waste.

He also instructed the officials concerned that masks, gloves and other such items being used by the general public for prevention of coronavirus should be properly cut or ripped ideally by the people themselves right after their use to avoid their reuse. This would also prevent the possible infectious impacts on waste handlers as well as children who might use them to play when found on roads or open sites.

Dr Qazi has also directed the administration to take immediate steps to spread the message in the community through banners, hoardings and local TV cables because it was direly required to sensitise people to dispose of such items into waste bins after ensuring implementation of the guidelines.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2020.