Guidance on Misting or Spraying for COVID-19
The Department of Health (DOH) in the Philippines has issued a circular advising against the use of spraying or misting as a method to combat COVID-19. It highlights that there is no evidence supporting the efficacy of these methods in killing the virus and emphasizes the potential health risks, including the spread of pathogens, skin irritation, respiratory issues, and environmental pollution. Instead, the DOH recommends direct cleaning of surfaces with disinfectants to effectively eliminate the virus. The circular requests the dissemination of this guidance to relevant health authorities and the public.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0172
- Date Enacted
- Subcategory
- Department of Health
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
April 9, 2020
DOH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 2020-0172
| TO | : | All Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries; Directors of Bureaus, Services and Centers for Health Development; Minister of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Executive Directors of Specialty Hospitals and National Nutrition Council; Director General of Philippine Institute of Traditional Medicine and Alternative Health Care; Chiefs of Medical Centers, Hospitals, Sanitaria and Institutes; President of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; Directors of Philippine National Aids Council Secretariat and Treatment and Rehabilitation Center and Others Concerned |
| SUBJECT | : | Guidance on Misting or Spraying for COVID-19 |
The Department of Health enjoins the public to AVOID spraying and misting for COVID-19 at this time. There is no evidence to support that spraying surfaces or large scale misting of areas, indoor or outdoor with disinfecting agents, kills the virus.
Misting or spraying also poses an additional health and safety concerns as it can (1) cause any pathogens to be dispersed further from the direct application of a spray, (2) result to skin irritation or inhalation of chemicals and subsequent development of respiratory side effects, and (3) may also cause environmental pollution and should be avoided. HTcADC
To kill the virus, objects have to be soaked completely or surfaces cleaned directly with disinfectants.
Dissemination of the above information is requested.
(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health
Cite This Law
Guidance on Misting or Spraying for COVID-19, DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0172, Apr 9, 2020 (Philippines)
Guidance on Misting or Spraying for COVID-19, DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0172 (Phil. 2020)
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