Used Masks Thrown Away In Garbage Pose Risk To Workers

Despite repeated messages and warnings to maintain cleanliness in these times of global pandemic, city residents have been throwing away used masks in the garbage without following proper segregation method. This has left sanitary workers in the city worried for their own safety.

- Nirupama Viswanathan

With the rest of the State gearing up for a lockdown starting Tuesday, work has just begun for the 17,000-odd sanitary workers here. “People are throwing out used masks, sometimes wrapped in paper bags or covers. Many of us come in contact with them knowingly or unknowingly,” Iqbal (name changed), a contract sanitary worker from Manali said.