THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday, April 20, discouraged all local government units (LGUs) from using disinfection tents, misting chambers or sanitation booths.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the DOH has refuted the effectiveness of such disinfection methods as the commonly used chemical disinfectants such as hypochlorite irritate the skin and the mucous membrane (eyes, nose, and throat) and may have adverse effects when inhaled.
Año said even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States America have debunked the use of disinfection practices and highlighted their adverse health effects.
“Ang sabi ng DOH ay 'wag lang sa tao ngunit puwede sa mga bagay so we are following that advisory,” he said.
“We do not want to cause our citizens any harm as we combat this pandemic kaya patuloy po ang ating pakikipag-ugyanan sa DOH ukol sa mga pamamaraan upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng coronavirus sa ating mga pamayanan at patuloy po tayong makikinig sa kanila kasabay ang pagpapaalala sa mga LGU ng mga dapat nilang gawin,” he added.
Año said such disinfection methods can still be used on individuals wearing full personal protective equipment to ensure their safety before taking it off.
He said careful consideration should be given on the eyes, nose, mouth and throat.
He said misting can still be done on cars, rooms, buildings, and other inanimate objects and surfaces.
“Hindi naman po masasayang ang mga resources na inilaan sa mga disinfection efforts. LGUs are directed to utilize these materials and staff sa iba pang mga effort laban sa COVID-19,” he said.
Misting and disinfection tents are usually installed in public places such as wet markets in a bid to prevent infection.
Meanwhile, the DILG urged the LGUs to deploy or establish mobile markets to provide fresh food supply to their constituents during the quarantine.
Año said LGUs are encouraged to coordinate with local food producers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers for the creation of mobile markets.
He said LGUs may also take advantage of technology and social media which can be used for online marketing and delivery of goods.
Año said the DILG has issued order for the LGUs to put a stop to or shorten operations of wet markets, grocery stores and pharmacies.
”Scheduling and/or clustering of the communities and/or barangays who may be allowed to go out instead is highly encouraged," he said. (SunStar Philippines)