Just weeks ago, cities and even states across the US were banning straws, limiting takeout containers and mandating that shoppers bring reusable bags or pay a small fee as the movement to eliminate single-use plastics took hold in mainstream America.

However, in a matter of days, bans to reduce the use of plastics across the US have come under fire amid worries about the virus clinging to reusable bags, cups and straws, causing environmentalists to worry Covid-19 could set back their efforts to tackle plastic pollution.

Read more from AP here.