Distribution Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Capacity acquisition and PPE distribution planning during the COVID-19 pandemic

As demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare facilities faced supply shortages, the availability and distribution of PPE, being critical in fighting the pandemic, required pooling resources from multiple sectors. We explore such a resource pooling problem and propose to build up capacity by acquiring distribution and storage capacity from private carriers in return for compensation. We present a capacity acquisition and PPE distribution planning model under sufficient supply to optimally acquire storage and distribution capacity from third parties to fulfill demand. We then consider insufficient supply and propose a priority-based model based on pandemic severity. Finally, we model uncertain demand through two-stage stochastic programming with recourse and solve it using Benders decomposition and sample average approximation. We build a test case for the province of Ontario, Canada and provide detailed analysis under varying supply and demand scenarios.

Prevalence and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) litter along the shoreline of Charleston Harbor estuary, South Carolina, USA

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced personal protective equipment (PPE) litter into the environment since early 2020. These items are often made of plastic polymers and can degrade over time. This study quantified PPE litter abundance around Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Plastic and PPE litter were collected at ten sites in September 2021. Items were weighed and categorized by type and plastic polymer. A total of 286 items of PPE were found, comprising 2.9 % of all plastic litter. Gloves were the most abundant type of PPE (n = 142), and PPE was found at an average density of 0.03 items m−1 and 0.19 g m−1. Compared to other coastal surveys conducted during the pandemic, PPE litter was present at higher proportions in Charleston Harbor. These results establish baseline levels of pandemic-related PPE litter in Charleston Harbor, and future research is necessary to quantify the environmental risks associated with PPE litter exposure.

A Qualitative Study on the Management of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Based on a preliminary study, the COVID-19 PPE at Rawang Primary Health Care (PHC) was only partially available. The purpose of this research was to analyze the management of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) for Rawang PHC officers in Padang City. This research was a qualitative study held in July-September 2021 at the Rawang PHC. Research informants were four officers of PHC, who were obtained through purposive sampling. Collecting data was done through in-depth interviews, document reviews, and observation—data analysis using content analysis with source and method triangulation. The results of this study show that planning for needs was carried out using the consumption method; requests for COVID-19 PPE were made to the Padang District Health Office, which can be done at any time. Receipt of PPE COVID-19 by recording and checking the amount of PPE on the stock card. PPE storage using the FIFO method. The destruction of PPE was only done at the beginning of the pandemic. The distribution of PPE was carried out in sub-units and PHC networks. Control carried out related to the supply and use of PPE. The recording and reporting of PPE have been carried out, but the evaluation has yet to be carried out because the PHC still needs to have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing COVID-19 PPE. The management of COVID-19 PPE at the Rawang PHC could be more optimal. It is recommended for Rawang PHC to make a SOP for the management of COVID-19 PPE.

The distribution of Personal Protective Equipment and the absenteeism of ICU health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Health professionals who acted in the Covid-19 pandemic were subject to protocols and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment - PPE. The research aimed to estimate the amount of PPE distributed to health professionals in an Adult ICU, during the pandemic period, and the absenteeism of these professionals. The study used secondary data from the Electronic Citizen Information System - e-SIC and analyzed the amount of PPE provided by the Government of the Federal District, between 2020 and 2021, for the Adult ICU for Covid-19 at Ceilândia Regional Hospital; of professionals and the rate of absenteeism of these professionals due to medical licenses of codes U07 and B34 of the International Classification of Diseases - ICD 10. The PPE were made available in a smaller quantity than recommended for most of the year, but it was not possible to determine a cause-and-effect relationship between the PPE available and the absenteeism of professionals due to Covid-19. The use of risk-appropriate PPE, both in quantity and quality, is essential to establish and maintain occupational safety and health of professionals in a hospital environment.

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Testing Adherence in a University Town: Recurrent Event Modeling Analysis.

Healthy Davis Together was a program launched in September 2020 in the city of Davis, California, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and facilitate the return to normalcy. The program involved multiple interventions, including free saliva-based asymptomatic testing, targeted communication campaigns, education efforts, and distribution of personal protective equipment, community partnerships, and investments in the local economy. This study identified demographic characteristics of individuals that underwent testing and assessed adherence to testing over time in a community pandemic-response program launched in a college town in California, United States. This study outlines overall testing engagement, identifies demographic characteristics of participants, and evaluates testing participation changes over 4 periods of the COVID-19 pandemic, distinguished by the dominant variants Delta and Omicron. Additionally, a recurrent model is employed to explore testing patterns based on the participants' frequency, timing, and demographic characteristics. A total of 770,165 tests were performed between November 18, 2020, and June 30, 2022, among 89,924 (41.1% of total population) residents of Yolo County, with significant participation from racially or ethnically diverse participants and across age groups. Most positive cases (6351 of total) and highest daily participation (895 per 100,000 population) were during the Omicron period. There were some gender and age-related differences in the pattern of recurrent COVID-19 testing. Men were slightly less likely (hazard ratio [HR] 0.969, 95% CI 0.943-0.996) to be retested and more likely (HR 1.104, 95% CI 1.075-1.134) to stop testing altogether than women. People aged between 20 and 34 years were less likely to be retested (HR 0.861, 95% CI 0.828-0.895) and more likely to stop testing altogether (HR 2.617, 95% CI 2.538-2.699). However, older age groups were less likely to stop testing, especially those aged between 65-74 years and 75-84 years, than those aged between 0 and 19 years. The likelihood of stopping testing was lower (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.889-0.976) for the Asian group and higher for the Hispanic or Latino (HR 1.185, 95% CI 1.148-1.223) and Black or African American (HR 1.198, 95% CI 1.054-1.350) groups than the White group. The unique features of a pandemic response program that supported community-wide access to free asymptomatic testing provide a unique opportunity to evaluate adherence to testing recommendations and testing trends over time. Identification of individual and group-level factors associated with testing behaviors can provide insights for identifying potential areas of improvement in future testing initiatives.

Cushioning the Impact of COVID-19 on Livelihoods: Africa's Socio-Economic Policies so far

The devastating impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic cannot be underestimated. The economies of most countries on almost all continents have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). With Africa's existing socio-economic challenges, the emergence of the pandemic has further weakened and worsened economies and livelihoods within the sub-region. Dwelling on secondary data sources, including journal articles, online news items, and reports, this paper examines socio-economic support programmes implemented by African governments to cushion the pandemic's impact on the already-vulnerable livelihoods in Africa. The study establishes that several successful and some ineffective socio-economic interventions have been implemented so far by countries, including but not limited to Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, and Morocco. These interventions include suspending public gatherings, lockdown regimes, strengthening healthcare systems through increased investment, cash transfers to the most vulnerable groups, free food distribution, reduction of different tax forms and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.) to households. However, implementing these measures has put high economic burdens on governments due to their associated cost. It is therefore projected that, beyond the COVID-19 regime, most African governments will pursue internal economic policies to chart the course towards economic recovery. The paper recommends that case-by-case empirical studies be conducted to gauge the level of impact the identified COVID-19-driven socio-economic policies had on livelihoods within the African context.

COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination in coastal areas of Granada, Spain

The use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) as a control measure to avoid transmission against COVID-19 has generated a challenge to the waste management and enhances plastic pollution in the environment. The research aims to monitor the presence of PPE waste and other plastic debris, in a time interval where the use of face mask at specific places was still mandatory, on the coastal areas of Granada (Spain) which belongs to the Mediterranean Sea. Four beaches called La Rijana, La Charca, La Rábita and Calahonda were examined during different periods. The total amount of sampled waste was 17,558 plastic units. The abundance, characteristics and distribution of PPE and other plastic debris were determined. Results showed that the observed amount of total plastic debris were between 2.531·10−2 and 24.487·10−2 units per square meter, and up to 0.136·10−2 for PPE debris, where face masks represented the 92.22 % of the total PPE debris, being these results comparable to previous studies in other coastal areas in the world. On the other hand, total plastic debris densities were in the range from 2.457·10−2 to 92.219·10−2 g/m2 and densities were up to 0.732·10−2 for PPE debris. PPE debris supposed 0.79 % of the weight of total waste and the 0.51 % of total items. Concerning non-PPE plastic waste: cigarettes filters, food containers and styrofoam were the most abundant items (42.95, 10.19 and 16.37 % of total items, respectively). During vacation periods, total plastic debris amount increased 92.19 % compared to non-vacation periods. Regarding type of beaches, the presence of plastic debris was significantly higher on touristic/recreational than in fishing beaches. Data showed no significant differences between accessible and no-accessible beaches, but between periods with restrictive policy about mask face use and periods with non-restrictive policy data suggest significant differences between densities (g/m2) for PPE litter. The amount of PPEs debris is also correlated with the number of cigarettes filters (Person's r = 0.650), food containers (r = 0.782) and other debris (r = 0.63). Finally, although interesting results were provided in this study, further research is required to better understand the consequences of this type of pollution and to provide viable solutions to this problem.

Experience and views of primary care physicians involved in reorganisation of care in family medicine practices during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study from Slovenia

Background In Slovenia, primary care is the backbone and gatekeeper to the health care system. During the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care had to be reorganised to manage suspected COVID-19 patients, safely care for other patients, and manage the consequences of the pandemic. Objectives To explore the opinions and experiences of Slovenian primary care workers (PCWs) about their confrontation with COVID-19. Methods In June 2020, we conducted a qualitative study among PCWs in Slovenia. Invited participants (n = 42) worked either in primary health care centres or as private contractors and were involved in organising care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted using semi-structured online questionnaires. Data was analysed using an inductive-deductive method. Results Out of 42 invited subjects, 18 participated in the study. The main predefined categories were Information/from decision-makers, Organisation of work, Workforce, Personal protective equipment, Views on decision-making institutions, Stressors that place additional burden on health workers, and Suggestions for improvement (funding, organisation of care). Within these categories, 29 themes emerged. Conclusion Based on participants’ experiences and suggestions, the most important areas to address in similar pandemic situations are clear organisation of work in primary care (adequate funding, staff allocation, distribution of personal protective equipment), psychological solid support for health workers, and effective and timely support from health authorities.

Kişisel Koruyucu Ekipman Kullanımına Yönelik Davranış ve Tutumlar: COVID-19 Sırasında Fizyoterapi Stajyerlerinde Kesitsel Bir Çalışma

Internships are vital for preparing young healthcare workers for the working life. Examining the behaviors and attitudes of interns about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and raising their awareness will contribute to the fight against contagious diseases. This study aimed to investigate the behaviors and attitudes towards PPEs in the physiotherapy interns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two hundred twenty-three physiotherapy interns (mean age, 22.55±1.80 years; 162 female) were included into study. The health-related characteristics, vaccination status, use of PPE against the COVID-19, behaviors and attitudes towards PPEs use, and the physical complaints related to the PPEs were questioned. A total of %43.2 interns have tested positive for COVID-19 during the internship. All participants preferred to wear the mask, while %95.1 used protective gloves in case of COVID-19 risk, and %66.4 of the participants stated that they were worried about finding new equipment while removing the PPEs. The most frequently reported physical complaints were dryness, irritation, and scar in the hands. PPEs are essential in protecting against epidemics and infectious diseases that threaten public health; therefore, healthcare systems must prioritize the procurement and distribution of PPEs, and provide adequate training to interns in its use.

‘This was like some Little House on the Prairie shit’: The intensive care(work) of making PPE during COVID-19

In March 2020 during the first wave of COVID-19 in the United States, the national supply and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) was dangerously underwhelming. Skilled volunteer quilters, sewists and 3D printer enthusiasts emerged in a groundswell of life-saving gendered disaster response, creating face masks, ear savers, and face shields. Making PPE was both tiring and comforting, a distraction from, and solution to, the pandemic, revealing the tense overlap between volunteering and project-based leisure opportunities. Qualitative data collected from July 2020 to January 2021 demonstrate PPE makers engaging in carework for the self—turning to a chosen leisure activity to relieve anxiety and provide a needed momentary distraction from the pandemic, and carework for others—constructing and distributing PPE for those in need.

First facts on the distribution of personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic and facts revealed by medical entities in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has revealed precarious public health conditions worldwide, where serious failures have occurred, similar to the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to physicians in the government of Brazil. The objective of this investigation was to prove through facts that there have been failures in the distribution of PPE to medical professionals within a reasonable timeframe. Through a cross-sectional study, we sought to identify the information and data on the subject of "Distribution of PPE" from the official sites of all the national and regional medical representative entities. All medical representative entities, such as unions, councils, and federations, were identified by searching their existing websites, which were active on the World Wide Web, identifying facts, news, and official data regarding the supply of PPE on a daily basis and during the research period. It was evident from the identification of over 3,900 physician complaints and news reports that there was a failure to distribute PPE to medical professionals in Brazil over a reasonable period. Several physicians obtained PPE through the ruling of the courts. There was indeed a failure in the context of health service administration, which compromised the second level of the Maslow Scale, safety needs, and exposed these professionals to a greater risk than necessary, compromised the quality of work life, and directly compromised the doctor-patient relationship. The condition of the physicians cannot be forgotten during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Desafios da Segurança da Saúde Global em tempos de pandemia: O acesso a Equipamentos de Proteção Individual na crise da covid-19

Abstract This article addresses the precariousness of the Global Health Security system, focusing on the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during health crises and taking the COVID-19 pandemic as a departure point and a center. The shortage of PPE was exacerbated by factors such as the high transmission rate of the virus, inadequate training on its use and disposal, flexibility in guidelines regarding prolonged use and reuse of equipment, and restrictions on the export of healthcare products. The collapse of the global PPE supply chain has exposed frontline healthcare workers, especially in low- and middle-income countries, due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure and socioeconomic disparities. The lack of effective action to maintain and equitably distribute existing PPE stocks further exacerbated their shortage, compromising the effective response to the pandemic. To strengthen the resilience of healthcare systems, strategies need to be developed to ensure safety and equity in the global supply chain of healthcare products, with interconnected and redundant networks of suppliers. International collaboration and investments in multilateral mechanisms play a crucial role in building a more resilient Global Health Security.

Who Helped Long-Term Care Facilities and Who Did Not During COVID-19? A Survey of Administrators in Israel

ABSTRACT Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) residents are particularly vulnerable to infection and showed increased mortality during the COVID-19 epidemic. The pandemic presented multiple new challenges for LTCFs including considering and implementing new practices to protect residents and staff, and figuring out how to minimize the adverse effects of such practices. There are, however, very few reports addressing which public and private entities helped LTCFs meet these challenges. We examined the most important needs of Israeli LTCFs as the COVID-19 pandemic developed, the extent to which their needs were addressed, and by whom, using a survey specifically designed for this study, including open- and close-ended questions. Fifty-two LTCFs participated in the study. Shortages of nursing aids and personal protective equipment were often reported, as was the need for augmented budgetary support. Charitable organizations and the Israeli Army’s Home Front Command were reported to provide significantly more assistance than the Israel Ministry of Health, the regulator of LTCFs. The most common type of support provided was distribution of personal protective equipment, followed by provision of training materials or training, and help in maintaining visiting policies. Findings highlight the need for a more coordinated, systematic and comprehensive approach to assist facilities.

Healthcare Workers From Diverse Ethnicities and Their Perceptions of Risk and Experiences of Risk Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Insights From the United Kingdom-REACH Study.

IntroductionHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of being infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Previous studies have examined factors relating to infection amongst HCWs, including those from ethnic minority groups, but there is limited data regarding the lived experiences of HCWs in relation to self-protection and how they deal with SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention. In this study, we presented data from an ethnically diverse sample of HCWs in the United Kingdom (UK) to understand their perceptions of risks and experiences with risk management whilst working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe undertook a qualitative study as part of the United Kingdom Research study into Ethnicity and COVID-19 outcomes among Healthcare workers (United Kingdom-REACH) conducting semi-structured interviews and focus groups which were recorded with participants’ permission. Recordings were transcribed and thematically analyzed.FindingsA total of 84 participants were included in the analysis. Five broad themes emerged. First, ethnic minority HCWs spoke about specific risks and vulnerabilities they faced in relation to their ethnicity. Second, participants’ experience of risk assessments at work varied; some expressed satisfaction while many critiqued it as a “tick-box” exercise. Third, most participants shared about risks related to shortages, ambiguity in guidance, and inequitable distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), particularly during the start of the pandemic. Fourth, participants reported risks resulting from understaffing and inappropriate redeployment. Finally, HCWs shared the risk mitigation strategies which they had personally employed to protect themselves, their families, and the public.ConclusionHealthcare workers identified several areas where they felt at risk and/or had negative experiences of risk management during the pandemic. Our findings indicate that organizational shortcomings may have exposed some HCWs to greater risks of infection compared with others, thereby increasing their emotional and mental burden. Ethnic minority HCWs in particular experienced risks stemming from what they perceived to be institutional and structural racism, thus leading to a loss of trust in employers. These findings have significance in understanding staff safety, wellbeing, and workforce retention in multiethnic staff groups and also highlight the need for more robust, inclusive, and equitable approaches to protect HCWs going forward.

Storage and distribution of personal protective equipment in national health insurance patient services during the Covid-19 pandemic at Bahteramas regional public service agency hospital Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

The rate of transmission of the Covid-19 disease is very high so that it spreads very quickly throughout the world with very high morbidity and mortality rates. In an effort to handle Covid-19 at the Bahteramas Regional Public Service Agency (RPSA) Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province, it is necessary to have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for health workers to prevent cross-infection between patients and officers. The purpose of the study was to determine the storage and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic at the Bahteramas RPSA Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This type of qualitative research with a case study approach. The research was conducted at the Bahteramas RPSA Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Kendari City, with the reason that this hospital is a referral hospital for Covid-19 patient services. The informants in the study consisted of 2 regular informants and 5 key informants. Data was collected using observation, document review and in-depth interviews. Data analysis is done by matrix Content Analysis. The results showed that the process of storing PPE in the storage warehouse, during storage there are no obstacles found. The warehouse capacity is very sufficient for the storage and storage of PPE logistics supplies. The PPE storage is in accordance with the applicable SOP. There were no obstacles encountered when distributing PPE from logistics to health workers. Conclusion; The storage and distribution of PPE at the Bahteramas RPSA Hospital is considered quite good, because the storage of PPE in the pharmacy warehouse is in accordance with the applicable SOP. Meanwhile, the distribution of PPE to health workers is carried out through requests from each hospital service unit, according to the number of needs that will be used so that the needs of PPE in each service unit can be met properly.

Storage and distribution of personal protective equipment in national health insurance patient services during the Covid-19 pandemic at Bahteramas regional public service agency hospital Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Storage and distribution of personal protective equipment in national health insurance patient services during the Covid-19 pandemic at Bahteramas regional public service agency hospital Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Procurement of personal protective equipment in national health insurance patient services during the Covid-19 pandemic at Bahteramas Regional public service agency hospital Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Currently, the incidence of morbidity and mortality due to the Covid-19 disease outbreak in Indonesia is still quite high, with the intensity of transmission being very fast in the community. The occurrence of contact between patients and health workers becomes very vulnerable to the emergence of illness and death in health workers. The importance of the use and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitals needs to be continuously pursued. The purpose of the study was to determine the supply of personal protective equipment for the service of national health insurance patients during the Covid-19 pandemic at the Bahteramas Regional Public Service Agency (RPSA) Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province. This type of qualitative research with a case study approach. The study was conducted at the Bahteramas RPSA Hospital, Southeast Sulawesi Province, Kendari City, with the reason that this hospital is a referral center for Covid-19 patient services. The informants in the study consisted of 3 regular informants and 6 key informants. Data was collected using observation, document review and in-depth interviews. Data analysis is done by matrix Content Analysis. The results of the study show that the procurement of PPE for Hospitals is carried out through E-catalogs and direct procurement. The vacancy of PPE is caused by internal factors where the hospital procurement party minimizes stock procurement as needed with evaluations carried out every month. Evaluation is carried out to determine the availability of sufficient stock until the deadline for the next PPE purchase, but if the stock is insufficient then the purchase of PPE can be made before the stock period is empty. The external factor causing the stock vacancy is caused by the delay in the distribution of PPE. Conclusion: Procurement of supplies for PPE needs for RPSA Hospitals, apart from making their own procurement from the hospital, also borrows and requests assistance from related agencies. The availability of hospital PPE is influenced by internal factors and external factors. Suggestion; The Hospital Logistics Section should always monitor the procurement of PPE to ensure the availability of PPE is still met as needed.

FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 AND THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Purpose: The paper examined fight against COVID-19 and the role of traditional rulers in Northern Nigeria.
 Methodology: This paper was qualitative in nature because it was based on organized review of related literature and a subtle examination of secondary data. Document analysis was done guided by the study objective. Data for the study was generated from documentary sources while analysis will be affected through content analysis
 Findings: The results found out that the traditional leaders in their domains will utilize mobilization machinery at their disposal such as town announcement, announcement during prayers and meetings as well community-based informants, to create awareness and strengthen community surveillance for COVID-19 disease and in the effective distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) and relief palliatives
 Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: The central concern of this paper was to examine the major roles of traditional rulers in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic disease in Northern Nigeria. However, it is the contention of this paper that efficient and effective fight against the pandemic disease would continue to be a mirage if due recognition is not given to the traditional authorities as a critical stakeholder in the health architecture of the region under discourse and Nigeria in general.

Mixed-Methods Survey of Healthcare Workers’ Experiences of Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Aotearoa/New Zealand

There have been widespread issues with the supply and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) globally throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, raising considerable public concern. We aimed to understand the experiences of healthcare workers using PPE during the first COVID-19 surge (February–June 2020) in Aotearoa/New Zealand (NZ). This study consisted of an online, voluntary, and anonymous survey, distributed nationwide via multimodal recruitment. Reported domains included PPE supply, sourcing and procurement, fit-testing and fit-checking, perceived protection, trust and confidence in the workplace, mental health, and the likelihood of remaining in the profession. Differences according to demographic variables (e.g., profession and workplace) were examined. We undertook a descriptive analysis of responses to open-text questions to provide explanation and context to the quantitative data. The survey was completed in October–November 2020 by 1411 healthcare workers. Reported PPE shortages were common (26.8%) among healthcare workers during surge one in NZ. This led to respondents personally saving both new (31.2%) and used (25.2%) PPE, purchasing their own PPE (28.2%), and engaging in extended wear practices. More respondents in the public system reported being told not to wear PPE by their organisation compared with respondents in the private sector. Relatively low numbers of respondents who were required to undertake aerosol-generating procedures reported being fit-tested annually (3.8%), a legal requirement in NZ. Healthcare workers in NZ reported a concerning level of unsafe PPE practices during surge one, as well as a high prevalence of reported mental health concerns. As NZ and other countries transition from COVID-19 elimination to suppression strategies, healthcare worker safety should be paramount, with clear communication regarding PPE use and supply being a key priority.

The case of “public congregation vs. COVID-19 PPE pollution”: Evidence, lessons, and recommendations from the annual pilgrimage to the Catholic Holy Site in Mexico City, Mexico

Pollution from personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly face masks, has surfaced in the marine and terrestrial environments globally since the COVID-19 outbreak due to improper disposal practices and inadequate waste management, raising widespread alarm and attention. Our understanding of the prevalence and distribution of PPE in highly populated metropolitan areas is still emerging, and studies focusing specifically on developing countries in Latin America remain sparse. This study attempted to “kill two birds with one stone” by (1) addressing this knowledge gap by analyzing the degree of improper dispensing of PPE in Mexico City (Mexico) and (2) investigating the impact of massive public congregations on PPE contamination during the yearly pilgrimage to the Villa de Guadalupe on December 12th. Our survey findings revealed 731 PPE items within a 6-kilometer radius between December 5 and December 12, 2021, with daily densities ranging from 4.1 × 10−3–13.9 × 10−3 PPE items m−2. Face masks were the most disposed type of PPE (94%), with gloves and face shields accounting for just 6% of the total. The PPE disposal more than doubled as the pilgrim day approached, with an estimated disposal rate ranging from 151.52 to 506.06 items day−1, substantiating the surge in the disposal of used PPE to large public congregations that filled the surroundings during the pilgrimage. The observed average PPE density of 7.8 × 10−3 items m−2 was higher than in the metropolitan environments of Canada, Ghana, and Turkey. To our knowledge, this first study describes information showing the need to pay attention to the major impact of public events and mobility on COVID-19 PPE pollution, as well as emphasizes the necessity for adequate management facilities in improving PPE disposal.