Tarek Al-Thaqafi

MAKKAH: Medical specialists have reminded people of the importance of properly disposing of medical face masks after usage to avoid them becoming sources of infection.

Hani Jokhdar, Saudi deputy minister for public health, told Arab News that while he still advised everyone to wear masks in closed and open spaces to limit the spread of the virus, it was “very important to dispose of face masks safely and directly after using them.”

Jokhdar added that it is unfortunate to see many used masks on the streets, beaches and elsewhere as litter. “It is a social responsibility that everyone should cooperate to maintain clean and safe societies.”

The health official advised that face masks should be changed at least once a day and not be used frequently, indicating that using them for many days may cause other health problems.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources spokesman, Jarrah bin Mohammed Al-Jarrah, there are nine factories making masks in the Kingdom, producing as many as 2.5 million a day.

Maysara Al-Sharif, sales manager at a mask factory in Makkah, said: “The face masks can never be recycled because they may be incubators for viruses, and leniency with their use may cause the transmission of viruses to other people.

“Face masks are not like other medical supplies that can be recycled as many European countries do. These countries are advanced in recycling operations, but this does not apply to face masks, which can be hubs for the spread of infection.”

He added that after use, masks should be placed in special bags and thrown in the trash.

Dr. Lamia Al-Brahim, a consultant, said that disposing of masks safely would “protect workers,” adding that those who flout the rules should have penalties imposed “as this causes harm to society and undermines efforts made to prevent infection with the coronavirus.

“Masks are worn in places that do not guarantee social distancing. Awareness of the prevention of coronavirus must include methods of disposal of waste that can spread infection, such as face masks, plastic gloves and paper tissues,” she added.