Residents across the Isle of Wight have reported a rise in the number of discarded disposable masks being found along the Islands streets and natural areas since new rules were introduced in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic last year.
The use of facemasks and face coverings has been one of the more pivotal, and controversial, measures brought in by the Government in response to the increased infection rate of coronavirus experienced in the Summer of 2020.
Anyone heading to an inside public space such as a shop or supermarket, hospital or school, is required to wear a face-covering by law – unless they have an exemption. Despite the availability of reusable and washable face coverings, many are still choosing to use disposable masks, which are designed to be thrown away after their use.
Sadly, however, many masks are being inappropriately discarded in public places such as streets and natural areas – not only contributing to littering but also potentially a public health issue due to the risk of a person coming into contact with coronavirus by touching the littered mask.
Many Island Echo readers have expressed their disgust at the number of masks seen to be strewn through bushes and grass in countryside areas – with others reporting sightings in coastal locations such as beaches.
It comes just days after Natural England’s refresh of the Countryside Code, which promotes the responsible disposal of litter.
Official guidance is for disposable masks to be worn once and subsequently discarded properly in the nearest bin.
It seems to be a general problem with laziness in disposing of rubbish. Maybe the Island should take a lesson from Singapore in the way we deal with the problem. It won’t cure things but maybe we’d have a cleaner environment.
I see most of these around bus stops, so guessing people get off the bus & walk away throwing the mask in their tracks. Considering it’s compulsory to wear on public transport would it not be a good idea for Southern Vectis to have a bin by the door of the bus so as people get off could drop mask in bin. Just a thought.
It`s not just masks though,look at the general rubbish left around the streets and country areas,more needs to be taught in the schools,i saw three youngsters sitting on a bench and throwing their discarded sweet wrappers on the ground next to a bin.
Exactly, walk through Church Litten in the afternoon in a school day.
If the virus is so deadly why aren’t there special bins everywhere just for these contaminated masks?
Lazy pigs make me wonder what their houses are like, possibly rubbish tip!
Indeed Arthur. Indeed.
Sadly people who do this lack any respect for anyone else, lazy and disgusting sums them up.
Lazy disgusting scumbags
Note to Island Echo.- You state “ Despite the availability of reusable and washable face coverings, many are still choosing to use disposable masks, which are designed to be thrown away after their use.” SURELY they are meant to be binned and not merely Thrown Away!
There’s several littering the woodland near my house. Judging by the designs on them you can see the type of people who are wearing them. Scumbags.
Welcome to Britain! Let’s face it, this country has been getting worse for years. Proud to be British used to be a motto here, now it’s more like proud to be yobbish! If only this country was more like Japan. With responsible and courteous citizens being the majority, instead of just the minority as they seem to be in Britain.
To be honest some people really do need to throw their masks away ( in a bag then into a bin …. not on the ground !
Think they have worn them since last March totally disgusting….
Then they need to wear them correctly, blue side out !!!!
And cover their noses as well …
Been over a year now and still appears some people still don’t get it .
Anyway bin it don’t drop it …..
At least one thing is for sure….. It won’t be any of the soap dodger, tree hugging, Anti Covid brigade that spread germs on a sunday Morning down Appley Beach.
You see they don’t have to abide by rules and know better because they watch YouTube and think that Covid isn’t real…..