The Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg plans to introduce fines for those who throw their facial protection masks outside of the dedicated areas, reports RTL.lu. These items can be dangerous to the health of citizens and are to be disposed of like a non-recyclable residual waste.
The process is even stricter for the COVID-19 positive patients. Yet single-use masks often end up on the ground and in nature. This behaviour needs to be sanctioned, believe the authorities.
New rubbish, new fines
The fines are to be introduced in the near future, explained Minister for the Environment, Carole Dieschbourg, answering a question by MP Paul Galles. While reviewing waste guidelines, the Luxembourgish authorities intend to follow the example of France and adopt a range of penalties. Over the summer, the population will also be reminded of the new rules by awareness-raising campaigns.
The authorities count 144 tons of additional rubbish caused by the masks sent to the households. This is considered quite a big quantity compared with the overall 160,000 tons of residual waste in Luxembourg. Finally, the Minister also explained that in civil service avenues masks from alternative materials are already used and there will be more discussions in the future on the matter.
Meanwhile, the country has been observing an increase in the Covid-19 infections, which motivated prime minister Xavier Bettel to appeal for solidarity and for respecting social isolation at a press conference. He was reluctant to introduce stricter measures, relying on the individual responsible behaviour.
The data also shows that there is a rise in the number of young people contracting the virus, compared to the start of the outbreak, which suggests that parties are to blame. The PM has also said, quoted by RTL, that events with over 20 guests will have to observe stricter regulations, limiting the number of people seated at one table to 10.
Source: TheMayor.EU
