President of Malawi Environmental Health Association, Elias Chimulambe, says the trend if left unchecked will fuel further transmission of coronavirus.

“We need to properly dispose the used masks otherwise we will lose the battle against the spread of coronavirus,” said Chimulambe.

On his part, an environmental expert Godfrey Mfiti said disposing off masks anyhow has potential of polluting our already degraded environment.

“These masks do not decompose if thrown anyhow and there is need to sensitize masses on the harm they make to our environment particularly the soil,” said Mfiti.

On the other hand, environmental rights activist Elias Chimulambe who is also president of Association of Environmental Journalists in Malawi has recommended use of re-usable masks other than disposable ones.

“We just need to check with scientists and health experts on effectiveness of cotton masks (that can be used more than once) in prevention of the spread of coronavirus,” said Malata.

Experts say face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing, help slow the spread of the disease.