THE Tacloban City Government has padlocked four water refilling stations and distribution establishments for operating without sanitary and business permits amid an outbreak of acute diarrhea cases in the city.
Water refilling stations in the city have to undergo a monthly bacteriological test, while its workers will also need to attend a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point Seminar to be given a health card and as a prerequisite for the sanitary permit that will be issued by City Health Office (CHO), according to the City Information Office.
The Business Permit and Licensing Division (BPLD) implemented the closure of four establishments on Friday, November 11, 2022.
BPLD Officer-in-Charge Gemafiel Gaspay said they have already inspected 68 water refilling stations with the sanitary inspectors following the recommendation from the CHO.
“Of the total inspected water refilling businesses, six have already reopened after complying with the sanitation and regulatory requirements,” the City Government reported.
At present, there are 118 water refilling establishments operating in Tacloban.
As of November 5, 2022, a total of 601 acute cases of diarrhea were recorded in the city, with 351 recoveries and five mortalities, while the rest are recuperating, according to the city government. (SunStar Philippines)