DILG to advise LGUs against spraying, misting disinfectants —exec

Local government units will be discouraged from spraying or misting as a means of disinfection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of the Interior and Local Government said Saturday, after the Department of Health found no proof that such methods are effective.

“Since they [in the DOH ] lead the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases), and since this is a health matter, we respect their advisory and will advise all LGUs accordingly,” Interior Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya told GMA News Online.

Last Friday, the Health department announced that spraying, or misting does not protect against COVID-19 and may even cause harm. 

According to the DOH,  there is no evidence to support that spraying of surfaces or large scale misting of areas, indoor or outdoor with disinfecting agents, kills the virus.

The DOH made the statement while LGUs have been disinfecting roads and establishments through spraying and misting. 

Instead, the DOH advised the public to soak objects or surfaces to be disinfected  to kill the virus.

It pointed out that spraying may cause pathogens to be dispersed; cause skin irritation and the inhalation of chemicals, leading to respiratory side effects; and may result in environmental pollution. —LBG, GMA News