Face coverings becoming a 'blight on our streets'
A warning has gone out that it is a criminal offence to drop face coverings on the ground when they're no longer needed.
The message was underlined by Iain Gulland, chief executive of Zero Waste Scotland, who said face coverings are becoming "a needless recent blight on our streets".
Mr Gulland said: “The Scottish Government advises that single-use and reusable coverings provide people with suitable protection. Having a face covering that can be used time and again uses fewer materials and is less likely to be discarded so easily.
“At a time when we are trying to protect our health, we can also protect the environment."
In Scotland it is mandatory to wear face coverings in certain indoor public places, shops, on public transport, and in bus and train stations. The widespread use of these, particularly with many people opting for disposable single-use options, has led to a recent spike in associated litter.
To keep our streets and parks clean, cut waste and maintain public health, the Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland are highlighting reusable coverings as the preferred method of keeping people safe. Evidence suggests face coverings have particular value in crowded and less well-ventilated spaces, and where physical distancing of two metres is not possible.
Shop-bought and homemade face coverings, as well as other items such as snoods, can all be effectively used to slow the spread of the virus. These should be at least two layers thick and preferably three.
It is recommended that reusable face coverings are washed on the highest setting suitable for the fabric, preferably 60 degrees Celsius, after every use. Face coverings should only be hand washed if a washing machine is unavailable. For hand-washing, lather face coverings for at least 20 seconds using warm to hot water before drying ideally putting in a dryer. Iron face coverings on the cotton or linen setting to kill any remaining germs.
It is recommended that coverings be made of cloth or other textiles through which people can breathe and should be two, and preferably three, layers thick.
Disposable face coverings are different to masks worn by healthcare professionals. All disposable single-use face coverings and gloves cannot be recycled and should be placed in the general waste bin after use.
Details on how to make a reusable face covering can be found on the Scottish Government’s YouTube channel .