The pandemic has altered the face of litter in Columbia, with limp, discarded face masks joining beer cans, plastic bags and burger containers on streets and sidewalks.
As COVID-19 continues to affect daily life, the question of how discarded masks affect the environment and public health grows each day, according to research from The Conversation.
It’s not yet a big enough issue to be noticed on the campus grounds, said MU spokesperson Christian Basi.
“We’ve not had any reports of problems with discarded masks, and the individuals who pick up or handle trash have access to the appropriate protective equipment,” Basi said.
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