34 masks found littered around PEH

Friday 12 November 2021

The inappropriate disposal of face masks has been highlighted through a social media page after a volunteer litter picker collected 34 discarded masks around the Princess Elizabeth Hospital car park.

The States have since made a fresh call for appropriate disposal and reminded people that littering of masks could be hazardous to those who then have to pick up and dispose of them properly.

This comes as the Chairman of the States' Civil Contingencies Authority, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, wrote an open letter to the Bailiwick once again strongly recommending face masks in indoor public places or where physical distancing is not possible or where there is poor ventilation - and warning that face masks may have to be made mandatory again in the near future. There are now more cases of covid-19 in the Bailiwick than at any other time during the pandemic. 

States' advice is that "face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth, which are the main confirmed sources of transmission of virus that causes the coronavirus infection (covid-19)".

Pictured: Sam Reoch told Express she has found dozens of masks discarded around the island, including at beaches and by the side of roads.

Guernsey Waste is reminding the public of the need for safe disposal of masks.

“Littered face coverings or disposable gloves are a hazard to those who will have to pick them up off the street, whether that be essential workers or anybody out wombling,” said waste operations manager Sarah Robinson.

“They also pose a hazard to pets and other wildlife who could become entangled or ingest them. 

“So, once you have finished using a face covering, it’s really important to dispose of it appropriately. And that is in with your general waste – never in your recycling.

“That way, Guernsey Waste will make sure it is dealt with properly and won’t present a risk to other people or to animals.”

You can find more information about face coverings ONLINE HERE.

This time last year, Express' sister publication in Jersey encouraged their readers to dispose of masks safely after finding hundreds discarded as litter in public places around the island.