DOH still does not recommend spraying, misting disinfectants vs. COVID-19 —Vergeire

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday said the Department of Health (DOH) and even the World Health Organization (WHO) do not recommend spraying and misting disinfectant as an effective measure against the spread of COVID-19.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Vergeire said that these procedures may even cause harm.

“Sinasabi na rin ng WHO ngayon, ‘yun pong ating pagsasagawa nitong spraying or misting nitong iba’t ibang chemical na ginagawa natin ay hindi natin nirerekumenda  muna,” she said.

According to her, misting and spraying disinfectants can cause irritation in the eyes and skin, as well as trigger asthma and allergies.

“Marami pong nagiging harm sa mga tao…Maaaring magkaroon po ng epekto sa inyong kalusugan,” she said.

Recently, police doctor Police Captain Casey Gutierrez died due to toxic inhalation injury after inhaling a toxic chemical at the quarantine facility at the Philippine Sports Arena (Ultra) in Pasig City.

Two other members of the PNP Medical Reserve Force, Police Staff Sergeant Steve Rae Salamanca and Police Corporal Runie Toledo, were also hospitalized after experiencing conditions similar to Gutierrez.

While performing a routine decontamination procedure at Ultra on May 24, the team accidentally sprayed a concentrated decontamination solution that caused irritation and difficulty in breathing.

In April, the DOH discouraged spraying or misting as a disinfection procedure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Everyone should not spray or mist disinfectants at this time. Soak objects completely or disinfect surfaces directly to kill the virus," it said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News