Nigeria

COVID-19: Nigerians picking face masks from dump sites - PTF

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 11:18 AM by Onyirioha Nnamdi

- It has come to the notice of the federal government that many Nigerians share face masks

- This unhealthy practice, according to the Nigerian Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, places a lot of burden on the government

- The chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, said that Nigerians needs to self-educate themselves on the health hazard that could emanate from such an act

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This fact was pointed out specifically by the chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, May 12.

Mustapha said that most of these used face masks are picked up from dumpsites, The Nation reports.

Mustapha noted that apart from the fact this sort of unwholesome act worsens the situation of coronavirus in the country, it is hazardous to the health of those who sell such used masks and their patronisers.

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COVID-19: Nigerians picking face masks from dump sites - PTF — The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 said that the practice worsens the condition of the virus in the country.
Source: Original

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The SGF categorically stated: “The following points are emphasised: 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.”

The PTF boss added that this trend among some Nigerians places an enormous responsibility on both the federal government and educated citizens in the country to embark on all-out sensitisation on the dangers the practice can cause.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had declared that the use of non-medical face masks, which include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of clothes only reduce and not prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.