Hundreds of used rapid test kits were strewn on M. Dela Fuente Street in Sampaloc, Manila Tuesday night.
Based on a CCTV footage, a sidecar was seen traveling on the said street and the test kits were falling out of the sack it carried. This happened unnoticed by the driver.
The Manila local government unit (LGU) immediately collected the said test kits and disinfected the area.
According to the LGU, the Manila Police District will investigate the incident and trace who is liable for the improper disposal of the kits.
“We already saw a person of interest so that we can locate maybe the clinic, maybe a private office, maybe a hospital, or maybe a laboratory,” Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso stated.
He warned establishments that do not properly dispose their hazardous waste may face charges and be shut down by the LGU.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated that there is a punishment for health care facilities that do not properly throw health care waste such as test kits. They may be suspended and have their license revoked if the proper protocol is not followed. – Report from Sandra Samala
