NEW JERSEY – Shoppers now combat coronavirus spread by wearing latex gloves. After shopping, most discard of gloves in trash bins. Others simply drop them on the ground.
The strongest theme in NJ right now is practicing social distancing and avoiding viral germs as much as possible. Many NJ residents can are wearing N95 masks and strapping on latex gloves whenever out of their homes. This has included walks to the park, doctor visits and grocery store/supermarket trips.
Since latex gloves are considered disposable, most users associate them with a one-time use and discard after using. This is a good practice and many shoppers have been observed properly discarding the gloves in trash receptacles. However, some users simply drop the gloves where they stand.
#EyesOnNJ visited 4 major North Jersey shopping centers and toured the outdoor parking lots.
At the Walmart of Flanders located close to the International Trade Zone, abandoned gloves were found in every row of the parking lot. A shopping cart attendant, who preferred to remain anonymous, told #EyesOnNJ that on the daily, he would find upwards of 100 gloves in the lot.
At the Weis Markets of Flanders, located off Route 206, #EyesOnNJ spoke with Matthew O’Leary, a cashier/cart attendant who shared his takeaway of the glove problem. Matthew told us, this issue of of littering and the “when you’re throwing the gloves out, you have the chance of contaminating anyone that possibly touches it.” Matt went on to say “especially even kids; they could pick up a glove off the ground and next thing you know, the entire family is sick.”
During our interview with Matt, we spotted a glove abandoned less than ten feet from a trash bin.
At a Walmart in Hackettstown, #EyesOnNJ found gloves, masks & sanitary wipes scattered throughout the parking lot and entrance patio of the store. A staffed cart attendant shared he would regularly find 50-60 pairs of gloves discarded on the ground each day.
a pharmacy parking lot in South Jersey.
This glove issue is not only plaguing North Jersey. Ocean County Scanner News published a PSA requesting everyone to to properly discard their gloves. “We all need to do our part to help curb the spread of Coronavirus. Aside from ensuring you’re wearing the gloves properly- please ensure you are disposing the gloves properly.When removing them simply place them inside a trash can. Most stores have trash cans for your convenience. It’s that simple- find a trash can close by, or keep a trash bag inside your vehicle if you’re heading outside.”
