Garbage contaminated with bodily fluids or other infectious materials is becoming a bigger concern for hospitals as they brace for a surge in patients sick with COVID-19 in the US. Patients and health care workers are quickly going through medical supplies and disposable personal protective equipment, like masks. Eventually all that used gear piles up as medical waste that needs to be safely discarded.
In Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus first emerged, officials didnt just need to build new hospitals for the influx of patients; they had to construct a new medical waste plant and deploy 46 mobile waste treatment facilities too. Hospitals there generated six times as much medical waste at the peak of the outbreak as they did before the crisis began. The daily output of medical waste reached 240 metric tons, about the weight of an adult blue whale.
Theres already been an uptick of garbage from personal protective equipment in the US, according to medical waste company Stericycle, which handled 1.8 billion pounds of medical waste globally in 2018. And some things that arent usually considered medical waste, like food, now need to be handled more carefully after coming in contact with a COVID-19 patient. Stericycle didnt provide numbers for how much of an increase its seeing so far, adding that it believes it has the capacity to handle the swell and may add shifts to the companys 50 treatment centers in the US if necessary. Additionally, the drop in elective surgeries might offset some of the rise in waste were seeing from the pandemic, a spokesperson for Stericycle tells The Verge.
Its a rapidly changing environment right now and forecasting volumes is challenging, Stericycle Vice President of Corporate Communications Jennifer Koenig wrote in an email to The Verge. We are closely monitoring the situation with all relevant agencies to determine next steps.
The CDC says that medical waste from COVID-19 can be treated the same way as regular medical waste. Regulations on how to treat that waste vary by location and can be governed by state health and environmental departments, as well as by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Department of Transportation. Generally, to make sure contaminated trash from health care facilities doesnt pose any harm to the public before going to a landfill, its typically burned, sterilized with steam, or chemically disinfected.
Theres more to worry about than waste from medical centers. The disease is spread out beyond hospitals. Some people who have minor symptoms are recovering at home. Others who are asymptomatic might not know that the trash theyre throwing out could be contaminated. That means people may be generating plenty of virus-laden trash. Thats worrying for sanitation workers, as the virus can persist for up to a day on cardboard and for longer on metal and plastic, according to one study of the virus in lab conditions.
But if garbage is properly bagged instead of kept loose and workers are wearing personal protective equipment, especially gloves, then there shouldnt be a risk of catching the virus, David Biderman, CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America, tells The Verge. Practicing social distancing while on the job, including maintaining appropriate distances from people, may also help reduce sanitation workers risks, says Elise Paeffgen, a partner with the firm Alston & Bird who works on medical waste issues.
People handling health care waste in particular should wear appropriate gear, including boots, aprons, long-sleeved gowns, thick gloves, masks, and goggles or face shields, according to recommendations from the World Health Organization. Luckily, protective efforts so far seem to have paid off. There is no evidence that direct, unprotected human contact during the handling of health care waste has resulted in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus, according to a March 19th technical brief from the WHO. As the pandemic grows, so will the waste, and keeping that garbage safe and contained will continue to be a challenge for communities until the crisis is over.
See the rest here:
The COVID-19 pandemic is generating tons of medical waste - The Verge
- Coronavirus Scam Alert: Watch Out For These Risky COVID-19 Websites And Emails - Forbes [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- COVID19: Broome County Executive expected to sign executive orders on virus - WBNG-TV [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Houston-based company ready to test COVID-19 'vaccine candidate,' but doesn't have the funds - KHOU.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- COVID19 Mesa County Public Health [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | SCDHEC [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus disease 2019 - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Hackers are jumping on the COVID-19 pandemic to spread malware - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- COVID-19 can last a few days on surfaces, according to new experiment findings - ABC News [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- The Guardian view on the UKs Covid-19 response: confused and hesitant - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- The COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic Highlights The Importance Of Scientific Expertise - Forbes [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- WHO Expert: Aggressive Action Against Coronavirus Cuts Down On Spread : Goats and Soda - NPR [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- 2 new cases of COVID-19 at Chicago schools - WGN TV Chicago [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Will Gargling with Salt Water or Vinegar 'Eliminate' the COVID-19 Coronavirus? - Snopes.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Worried about dying from COVID-19? You might be a millennial | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Startups developing tech to combat COVID-19 urged to apply for fast-track EU funding - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Why do dozens of diseases wax and wane with the seasonsand will COVID-19? - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- WHO, UN Foundation and partners launch first-of-its-kind COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund - World Health Organization [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Covid-19: PM to address nation tonight - New Straits Times [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- COVID-19: Where every sport lies after mass disruption - RTE.ie [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- COVID-19: Facts, myths and hypotheses | TheHill - The Hill [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Hong Kong Has Largely Survived COVID-19. Can New York and The US Do It Too? - BuzzFeed News [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- UPDATE: Case of COVID-19 confirmed in Wilson County - WITN [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Is This Train Car Carrying 'COVID-19'? - Snopes.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Coronavirus pandemic: facts, updates and what to do about COVID-19 - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- DHS: 34 people test positive for COVID-19 in Wisconsin - WBAY [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- COVID-19 by the numbers; plus key resources to help you stay informed - Berkeleyside [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- The Covid-19 puzzles that scientists are still trying to answer - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- What's the COVID-19 end game? - The San Diego Union-Tribune [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- The Covid-19 coronavirus is not the flu. Its worse. - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Phones Could Track the Spread of Covid-19. Is It a Good Idea? - WIRED [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- NIH Reports First Known Employee with COVID-19 Infection - National Institutes of Health [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Newborn tests positive for COVID-19 in London - Livescience.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Covid-19: Malaysia's pandemic action plan activated for the coronavirus - The Star Online [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- How Bad Will The COVID-19 Coronavirus Epidemic Get In The U.S.? Health Experts Weigh In - Forbes [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- Can People Who Recover from COVID-19 Become Reinfected? - Snopes.com [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2020]
- THE LATEST: 41 test positive for COVID-19 in the state - WFSB [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Twelve new cases of COVID-19 announced in Illinois; bringing total to 105 - KWQC-TV6 [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Eagle County outlines shift for COVID-19 testing, Vail Health shifts operations - Vail Daily News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- 7th positive COVID-19 case announced in Hawaii, all cases related to travel - KHON2 [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Canada tightens borders over coronavirus will it curb COVID-19s spread? - Global News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- As health care workers prepare for COVID-19, medical students pitch in on the homefront - Minnesota Public Radio News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus First positive case of COVID-19 confirmed in Geauga County Kaylyn Hlavaty 7:58 AM - News 5 Cleveland [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- 2nd presumptive case of COVID 19 reported in Bell County - KWTX [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- New confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin - WKOW [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Hawaii National Guard ready to step in against spread of COVID-19 - KHON2 [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Alberta orders all classes cancelled, daycares closed as COVID-19 cases rise to 56 in the province - Global News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Has Italy Stopped Treating the Elderly in the COVID-19 Pandemic? - Snopes.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus testing: Information on COVID-19 tests according to state health departments - NBCNews.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Working from home because of COVID-19? Here are 10 ways to spend your time - Science Magazine [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Two positive COVID-19 cases announced in Fairbanks, bringing Alaska's confirmed total to 3 - Anchorage Daily News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- 8 more positive cases of COVID-19 brings Michigan total to 33 - FOX 2 Detroit [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- COVID-19: Who Is Infectious? - Forbes [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- The Guardian view on the latest Covid-19 steps: a recipe for isolation - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Government publishes updated COVID-19 industry guidance - GOV.UK [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- NIH clinical trial of investigational vaccine for COVID-19 begins - National Institutes of Health [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Expanding Colorado's COVID-19 Testing Capacity Proves Frustrating to Polis, Doctors And The Public - Colorado Public Radio [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Microsoft Bing launches interactive COVID-19 map to provide pandemic news - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus tips: How to slow the spread of COVID-19 with hand-washing, social distance - USA TODAY [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- See Which Countries are Flattening their COVID-19 Curve - Visual Capitalist [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- With launch of COVID-19 data hub, the White House issues a call to action for AI researchers - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- COVID-19 - Cabinet for Health and Family Services [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | AustinTexas.gov [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- First COVID-19 case in Waterbury is confirmed - Waterbury Republican American [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Covid-19 reveals the alarming truth that many children cant wash their hands at school - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Statement on COVID-19 Panel Discussion Notes That Were Attributed to UCSF - UCSF News Services [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Covid-19 coronavirus testing in the US has been absurdly sluggish. That puts us at risk. - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Regal is closing all theaters until further notice over COVID-19 fears - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Amazon limiting shipments to certain types of products due to COVID-19 pandemic - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coralville company to produce millions of kits to test for COVID-19 - KCRG [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Number of COVID-19 cases in Erie County rises to 11, new case confirmed in Wyoming County - WIVB.com - News 4 [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Coronavirus tips and symptoms: What everyone should know about getting the new coronavirus - Vox.com [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Tech giants are getting creative to manage the COVID-19 crisis - The Verge [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- COVID-19: Mental health in the age of coronavirus - UN News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- White House provides an update on COVID-19 testing in the U.S., says theres been a dramatic ramp - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Covid-19: How long does the coronavirus last on surfaces? - BBC News [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2020]
- Hospital in Boston will be converted into Covid-19 treatment center - STAT [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- 78 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Tennessee - NewsChannel5.com [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- COVID 19: Tennessee confirmed cases reaches 52, Dept of Health releases age ranges of those infected - Clarksville Now [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Housing associations under pressure to offer Covid-19 rent holidays - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]
- Sacramento woman dead from COVID-19 attended church with others who have virus - KCRA Sacramento [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2020] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2020]