With the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in India and beyond, masks and PPE kits have become an integral part of our lives. Even as officials across India use stringent measures to ensure that people wear masks while out in public, others are apparently doing their best to reuse COVID-19 gear. A now viral video from Madhya Pradesh's Satna show individuals purportedly washing masks and PPE suits with the intention of reselling them.
Now, while recycling is an excellent idea, one would be well advised to keep the contagious nature of the virus in mind. As such, washing such items (as shown in the clip) is not particularly reassuring for any who might then wear it. As per news agency ANI, the clip is from a bio-waste plant in Badkhera village.
The clip in question shows several individuals working with countless masks, gloves and PPE kits. Large drums can be seen in the background with colourful protective gear heaped upon them. And many wrapped bundles indicate that the cleaned suits are being packaged.
"One of our team has been sent. They have done the investigation, they will submit the report tomorrow. Only after the report comes, we will know how much truth is in it. If this thing turns out to be true, then strict action will definitely be taken in it," SDM Rajesh Sahi said.
Satana collector Ajay Katsaria however told our correspondent that the video, while accurate was being used in a misleading manner. According to the Collector, the clip is about a year old. Officials had verified it and discovered nothing fishy. They wash all this and send to Bhopal for final disposal, he explained.
