8 kids test positive for COVID after playing near hazardous wastes
EIGHT children tested positive for the dreaded coronavirus disease-19 after playing near the area where hazardous medical wastes were dumped in Virac, Catanduanes.
The eight were among the 23 kids who played near the place where a diagnostic laboratory threw its hazardous wastes in Bgy. Concepcion in Virac town.
Bgy. Concepcion chairman Anthony Arcilla told a television interview that the 23 children were subjected to a lab test.
“Dalawampu’t tatlong bata na naglaro malapit sa baybayin na pinagtapunan ng medical waste ang isinailalim sa lab test ng Regional Health Unit. Walo sa kanila ay nagpositibo sa COVID,” Arcilla said.
Among those allegedly dumped near the bay in Bgy. Concepcion were syringes, bottles containing blood samples and bottles for stools, used PPEs (personal protective equipment) and antigen kits.
Andy Po of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office in Virac said they gave the laboratory until February 9 to submit its explanation regarding the incident.
Po said if the involved diagnostic laboratory failed to submit a position paper explaining the allegations, the municipal government will be forced to fine the laboratory or order its closure.
