CALGARY (660 NEWS) – While more Canadians are using masks and gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic, disposing of them properly is a growing concern.
Many grocery stores in Alberta have seen personal protective equipment like gloves and masks thrown away in their parking lots, leading to concerns someone might catch the virus if an employee is forced to pick up a contaminated item.
Earlier this week, Canada’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Teresa Tam said its okay to use non-medical masks to protect others from contracting COVID-19.
WATCH: Canada’s top doctor changes recommendation on non-medical masks
However, Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Hinshaw says people need to be cautious in handling gloves and masks and properly dispose of them.
“After wearing the mask, assume that it has been contaminated and take the proper precautions. It may be prudent to carry a bag with several clean masks in it as well as a plastic bag that can be used to safely store used masks.”
Face mask DON'TS:
❌Don't re-use masks or share them with others
❌Don't wear a mask that is damp or soiled
❌Don't touch your face while wearing the mask
❌Don't move or adjust the mask while it is on your face (3/3)— Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health (@CMOH_Alberta) April 7, 2020
While many Canadian cities are considering large fines for littering used gloves and masks, the City of Edmonton has taken a different approach, providing cleanup kits for private businesses and educating them on the proper disposal methods.
Meanwhile in Calgary, Chief Tom Sampson from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) says those who discard of gloves and masks on the street could face a hefty fine.
“That form of littering would be treated no differently than an individual who decided to throw a garbage bag outside of a car in front of a bylaw officer.”
Violating the City of Calgary’s littering bylaws could have you pay a fine between $500 and $1,000 and face charges if you throw any garbage out of a vehicle.
