The City Health Office (CHO) reminded the public and the households in Puerto Princesa to properly dispose used face masks.
This is after Palawan Daily News (PDN) earlier inquired from CHO Nurse III Kent Roy Ventura on the set guidelines for proper face masks disposal to eliminate the potential spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
“Like sa amin sa City Health Office, naka-segregate siya, kumbaga ‘yong mga masks na nagamit may infectious na bin na doon talaga siya dapat ilagay natin. [Sa households and public naman] kung ganoon na ginamit natin so ibalot na lang talaga natin,” said Ventura.
Ventura stated it is necessary that a used face mask be placed inside a well-sealed plastic or container before putting it inside the trash bin.
Ventura added the City Barangays may also be coordinated to have their own infectious trash bins for used face masks.
This he said will also advise the City Solid Waste Management (CSWM) staff of the kind of waste they are collecting.
“Kasi droplets siya eh, possible na kunwari may infection siya so droplet ‘yong [way to transfer the virus], puwedeng ma-trap siya doon sa mask kung talagang carrier [ang gumamit] o doon siya ma-attach. So ibalot na lang talaga natin siya… tapos [mag]-sanitize ng kamay [afterward],” said Ventura.
He said it is good that this question was raised during an interview with the media so they can incorporate tackling the matter on their next meetings at the CHO.
Ventura further stated he will inform the media once they have already come up with a much more strategic “ways” for handling the proper disposal of used face masks in the city this season when everyone is battling against the threat of COVID-19.
Ventura also reminded the public to make sure their face masks are clean and have them changed whenever necessary.
“Kung na-expose na siya, nahawakan mo or probably ikaw, so hindi mo na siya dapat magamit kasi may tsansya (chance) na meron na siya [na contamination]. Kaya nga po ina-advise din namin ‘yong proper na pag-gamit ng mask [dahil] imbes na minsan makatulong siya, makaka-cause pa ng pahamak. Kunwari nahawakan mo [ang virus] tapos hinawak mo sa mask mo, naipon na lang siya doon so may chance na ma-inhale mo ‘yong virus,” he said.