The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will issue a memorandum obliging local government units and private companies to protect their employees from COVID-19 after a garbage collector in Southern Luzon tested positive for the disease.
Environment Undersecretary Benny Antiporda admitted the agency is alarmed at the extent of vulnerability of the country’s garbage collectors who are also considered frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19.
Amid the risks, transporters and collectors will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while on duty.
The DENR will also urge private companies to take responsibility for the medical expenses of their trash collectors should they test positive for the disease.
Meanwhile, trucks collecting wastes will undergo disinfection before and after usage. Hospitals without treatment, storage, and disposal facilities will also be forced to segregate their biodegradable, solid, and hazardous wastes before collection and hauling.
The department said it will take initiative to treat septic tanks in temporary quarantine facilities to ensure waterways of non-viral contamination. In cases of large amounts of wastewater, the DENR will setup mobile treatment plants.
