(Photo by Eric PIERMONT / AFP)

 

After a steep decline early this year, coronavirus cases are again on the rise due to the fast-spreading Delta variant. The surge has led to an increased demand for medical products, resulting in bigger quantities of used personal protective equipment (PPE) like surgical masks, face shields, and gloves as well as tissues and antigen test kits (ATKs) in the rubbish.

 

Contaminated and medical waste has piled up across the country since the onset of the latest wave in April, most notably in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Rayong.

 

According to the Department of Health (DoH) figures, at least 294 tonnes of contaminated waste is being generated per day throughout the country, with a rise of 94 percent recorded between July and August 2021 alone. The forecast is that it will reach 330 tonnes at the end of August. And the amount of used face masks and ATKs is predicted to surge as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

 

Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/segregation-the-answer-to-contaminated-waste-experts-say/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-08-19

 

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