The Daily Manila Shimbun

 

Año discourages LGUs from using disinfection tents, misting chambers on individuals

April 20, 2020



Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday discouraged local government units (LGUs) from using disinfection tents, misting chambers or sanitation booths on individuals following the Department of Health’s (DOH) and World Health Organization (WHO) advisories saying these do not protect them against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Año said the last thing the national government needs right now are added health concerns on top of the COVID-19 that’s why stopping the use of the  disinfection methods on people is the right step.

In an advisory dated last April 18, he advised LGUs to prohibit the use of disinfection tents, misting chambers or sanitation booths for individuals without PPE in reference to DOH Memorandum 2020-0157.

“The most important thing is we continue to adapt as we discover new knowledge about COVID-19. Just like how disinfection mist cannot help in fighting the virus that’s why we discourage the LGUs from using them to their constituents,” Año said.

He added even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States America has debunked the effectiveness of disinfection practices.

Año clarified that misting can still be done on cars, rooms, buildings, and other inanimate objects.

Individuals, however, in full PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment), characterized as having no external skin exposure, may be subject to misting or spraying before removing their full PPEs with careful consideration on the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.

According to the DILG advisory, commonly used chemical disinfectants such as hypochlorite are irritants to the skin and the mucous membrane (eyes, nose, and throat) and may have adverse effects when inhaled.

There are also limited studies that support the effectiveness of the chemical disinfectant.

Año said LGUs are advised to use the materials and staff initially utilized for these activities to other efforts against COVID-19.

Año said such materials and staff can be used for surface disinfection, disinfecting of objects, and use of booths for temporary isolation among others.  Ella Dionisio/DMS