Irresponsible throwing of used masks to be fined

CEBU, Philippines — Observing that used facemasks are not properly disposed of in his town, Consolacion Mayor Joannes Alegado is amenable to imposing fines on residents who fail to observe proper disposal of used personal protective equipment (PPE).

Alegado said that in a span of two weeks, he has observed that some people in his town indiscriminately dump their disposable masks anywhere.

“Ang uban ipanglabay bisa’g asa lang and isagol sa ubang basura and mag-pose og risgo sa katawhan. Ang mask isul-ob sa nawong, sa baba, bisa’g di positibo sa COVID, pero naa gihapoy kagaw ning mask. Atong malikayan ang pag-transmit sa kagaw through (proper) garbage disposal,” Alegado said.

He urged the municipal council of Consolacion to pass an ordinance imposing fines on those who don’t properly dispose of their face masks.

“So kung naay magkasakit sa irresponsible throwing of infectious waste, I think makatarunganon if naay penalties, whatever penalties, kanang community service,” Alegado said.

He added that a fine of at least P500 would also do to discipline the people.

“To put discipline and inculcate to people nga naay tay kalikupan, at the same time health-conscious ta,” Alegado furthered.

He also urged the residents of Consolacion to separate their infectious wastes from the regular wastes. Barangays will then schedule a day to collect infectious wastes.

Alegado also encouraged the public to use double-layered cloth mask for better protection.

The LGU will distribute 20,000 cloth masks to senior citizens and members of the vulnerable sectors in all barangays. /KQD (FREEMAN)