Don’t spray disinfectant on people, says WHO

GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO), in its latest statement, warned by stating that spraying disinfectants on the open areas/streets is not a feasible practice to eliminate risk of new coronavirus and it even poses a health risk.

In a document on cleaning and disinfecting surfaces as part of the response to the virus, the WHO says spraying can be ineffective.

“Spraying in the outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is… not recommended to kill the SAARS-CoV-2 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris,” explains the WHO.

The chemical spraying is unlikely to cover all the surfaces for the duration of the require time need for an inactive pathogen to come in contact with potential receiver.

The WHO also stressed that spraying of disinfectants on any individual is not recommended under any circumstances.

“This could be physically and psychologically harmful and would not reduce an infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact,” said the document.

Spraying disinfectants which has chlorine or other toxic chemical can cause skin and eye irritation, gastrointestinal and bronchospasm effect, document added.

The organisation said that spraying disinfectants in indoor spaces is also not effective, and if indoor disinfection should be done the disinfectants need to be applied using cloth or a wipe that has been soaked into it.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, has killed thousands of people worldwide since its inception in late December in China, and it can attach itself to surfaces and objects. However currently, there is no precise information available for what periods the virus can remain active on different surfaces.