It should go without saying that littering in public – as well as private – spaces should be avoided at all times. It is especially imperative when it comes to the disposal of used personal protection equipment (PPE) that could be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus.

Incredibly, one can walk the streets of Somerville and find used masks, gloves, and wipes carelessly discarded on the ground or in any number of inappropriate places.

Really? In the midst of this deadly pandemic, can anyone be so thoughtless as to put other’s health – and possibly their very lives – at risk in such a callous way?

It’s not as if there aren’t trash receptacles within a few steps practically anywhere we may be in the city, especially at the entrances of stores and office buildings. There is simply no excuse.

Think of how children may react when they find brightly colored gloves and masks that have been discarded in this way. How easy would it be for them to pick these potentially contaminated items up and play with them?

Adults, too, are put at risk with these items lying around where they clearly should not be. It is easier than many might think to pick up the virus by simple contact and inadvertently transfer it to the mouth or nose.

And of course there is the simple fact that this unsightly refuse laying around is an eyesore and a disgrace to our city.

So let’s wise up and make sure we dispose of these materials safely and responsibly. The consequences are as serious as they can be. Believe it.