"Please Don't Throw Masks on the Street" Mask Littering in the Heat Draws Frowns [Han Reporter Goes]

Environmental Movement Union "Collected 258 Disposable Masks"
Complaints About Discomfort Wearing Masks in Heat... Some Just Throw Them on the Street
Experts "Masks Must Be Worn in COVID-19 Situation"

On the afternoon of the 10th, masks were discarded near an apartment complex and a bus stop in Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] # A man in his 30s, Mr. A, recently witnessed a shocking scene on his way home from work. Someone discarded their mask on the street after getting off the bus, saying it was hot outside. Mr. A pointed out, "Isn't it the same for everyone that the weather is hot?" and added, "Still, it's not right to carelessly throw a mask on the street like that." He expressed his frustration, saying, "Who will take responsibility if COVID-19 spreads because of that mask?"

As daytime temperatures recently soared above 30 degrees Celsius, more people are complaining about the discomfort of wearing masks. Some have been discarding their used masks on the streets, raising concerns not only about environmental pollution but also about the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) through droplets on the masks. Experts emphasize that wearing masks is essential to prevent virus infection.

On the afternoon of the 10th, discarded masks were easily spotted on a busy street in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. They were mainly found near bus stops and on paths leading to apartments, places people pass before heading home.

A man in his 40s who was met near a bus stop said, "Actually, I have seen masks discarded here and there even before the weather got hot," and added, "But as the weather gets hotter, it seems people find it harder to breathe and just throw their masks away when they are almost home."

The act of discarding worn masks on the street has been occasionally witnessed before. However, a security guard at an apartment explained that the frequency has increased recently due to the hotter weather.

A security guard in his 60s at an apartment in Seoul said, "There have always been people who throw masks around the streets," and added, "But it seems there are more of them now as the weather gets hotter." He also lamented, "Some people even throw masks away inside the elevator."

Discarded masks in a busy area of Seoul. Concerns are growing about whether these masks may carry the novel coronavirus. The photo was taken last March. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

According to a survey, the number of masks carelessly discarded on the streets is considerable. On the 5th, Environment Movement Federation, an environmental organization, collected and sorted household waste nationwide in observance of 'Environment Day' and found 258 disposable masks. The organization analyzed that the amount of disposable masks discarded on the streets has increased due to the rise in usage amid COVID-19.

Experts stress that used masks must be disposed of in trash bags. A health center official said, "If masks are just thrown away, others may be exposed to infection risks," and emphasized, "Used masks should be folded in half, tied with the straps, and disposed of in designated waste bags." He added, "After discarding masks, hands should be washed with hand sanitizer or soap under running water to prevent bacterial infections."

Meanwhile, health authorities recommend wearing masks to prevent COVID-19 despite the discomfort caused by the heat.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Central Disease Control Headquarters, said at a regular briefing on the 8th, "We believe that wearing masks can significantly reduce the risk of infection even in communities with lower infection risks," and added, "It has been documented that maintaining a distance of 2 meters or more and wearing masks, which are basic rules of everyday social distancing, can substantially reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection."

She further urged, "As we enter the summer season, despite the discomfort and difficulty caused by the heat, I once again ask everyone to make wearing masks, washing hands, and keeping a distance of more than 2 meters from others habitual in daily life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.