Ministry of Environment: "Thorough Management of Medical Waste from Novel Coronavirus Patients... Strict Treatment and Incineration"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] The Ministry of Environment announced on the 29th that it will make every effort to manage medical waste to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia).

Since the first confirmed case was identified on the 20th, the Ministry of Environment has requested related waste disposal companies to strictly manage safety when handling isolated medical waste. It is also maintaining emergency contact with hospitals treating confirmed patients and medical waste transporters and processors, overseeing the entire process.

So far, all waste generated by confirmed patients has been completely processed to minimize the possibility of infection from waste.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Environment established and implemented a "Special Measures for Safe Management of Waste Related to the Novel Coronavirus Infection." Waste from confirmed patients generated in hospitals is disinfected at the point of generation, placed in double-sealed dedicated containers, and sent to disposal companies on the same day for immediate incineration.

For those in self-quarantine, dedicated bags, disinfectants, and manuals are provided to disinfect and store waste, and safe disposal is ensured in cooperation with public health centers and local governments.

An official from the Ministry of Environment stated, "We plan to establish a close cooperation system among related agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and local governments to provide prompt administrative support."