Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles has assured the public that measures are in place to ensure the proper disposal of health care waste as more confirmed COVID-19 cases are brought to the nation’s hospitals.
In his regular daily briefing, Nograles acknowledged that “an emerging concern involves the disposal of health care waste.”
“As a protocol, all health care waste is pre-treated with chemical disinfectant such as hypochlorite solution.”
“There is an existing protocol under the Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities regarding how to handle health care waste,” said Nograles.
“As a protocol, all health care waste is pre-treated with chemical disinfectant such as hypochlorite solution. Furthermore, private hospitals in Metro Manila and in urban centers are served by private waste treaters and disposal systems service providers.”
According to the Palace official, the Department of Health is also working to disseminate information, particularly to field personnel, regarding the need to pre-treat waste like used PPEs (personal protection equipment) for PUIs (persons under investigation) or COVID-19 patients at home quarantine.
The former lawmaker added that the DOH would soon be issuing guidelines on the use of hypochlorite solution for the infection prevention of COVID-19.
In the midst of the outbreak, Nograles explained that local government units should work to ensure proper waste management and segregation in their areas.
Nograles said the government urges local government units “to continuously intensify their campaigns on proper waste management and segregation as they are responsible for solid waste management in their respective jurisdictions.”