**7. COVID and HCWG**

In 2019, an unprecedented medical emergency in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic was experienced by the whole world. The infection spread to the majority of areas and more than 370 million confirmed cases and over 5.6 million deaths have been reported globally. Tens of thousands of tons of extra HCW have been produced due to the medical efforts to treat and deal with COVID-19. The WHO Global analysis of HCW in the context of COVID-19 states that approximately 87,000 tons of personal protective equipment (PPE) were distributed to various countries from March 2020 to November 2021. It also points out that over 140 million test kits, generating 2,600 tons of plastic non-infectious waste and 731,000 liters of chemical waste have been shipped to support countries. Globally more than 8 bn vaccine doses have been administered generating 144,000 tons of added HCW in the form of nonbiodegradable syringes, needles, and safety boxes. Approximately 129 bn masks and 65 bn gloves were utilized per month globally during the COVID-19 epidemic increasing the burden of HCW immensely [27]. Wuhan in China, which is considered as the starting point of the COVID-19 outbreak has to manage a rise of HCWG of 600% during that period. **Table 8** shows an increase in HCW during COVID-19 outbreak in some cities. In Taiwan, it is reported that HCW generation has increased to 40,407 Mt. in 2019from 35,747 Mt. in 2016, an increase of 4.17% in three years span [28].

In a highly populous country India, about 420,461 kg/day of HCW is generated out of which only 240,682 kg/day of waste is treated [29]. India generated 550.9 tons/ day of HCW in 2020 as per the estimation of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India).
