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Garbage collector in Cavite contracts COVID-19

A garbage collector in Cavite was diagnosed with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Benny Antiporda confirmed on Wednesday.
Antiporda told GMA News that they learned about the incident after receiving complaints in some areas of the province was stopped or delayed.
“Ang naging katwiran sa atin, meron daw pong nag-positive sa kanilang garbage collector kung kaya medyo na-delay ‘yung pag-pick up noong mga mga basura,” he said.
It is not yet known how the unidentified worker contracted the respiratory disease.
The incident prompted the DENR to issue memorandum advising local government units and privately-owned waste collecting service to provide adequate protective gear and suits to the collectors as they are also at risk to various diseases aside from COVID-19.
“Ang sinasabi natin, lahat po, private man o local government-operated na garbage collection, e proteksyunan natin ang ating mga garbage collector,” Antiporda pointed out.
The DENR official said collectors are also vulnerable to COVID-19 and other diseases that may be present from waste they collect from houses, public buildings, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
“Pagsuotin natin ng PPE na parang nasa operating room din sila , na parang nasa ER din sila dahil lahat po ng dumi sila ang sumasalo. Meron pong mga contaminated na nakokolekta silang basura,” he said.
He also urged the government to look into the issue of proper waste collection and management as it can also pose danger to public health.
Antiporda said he will ask the government to review laws on managing hazardous waste in connection with the prevailing issues related to coronavirus pandemic.
READ MORE: Six Filipinos in France succumb to COVID-19

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