The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against the use of ultraviolet gadgets to kill SARS-COV-2 that causes COVID-19.
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire clarified it is more appropriate to use it as disinfectant in healthcare settings such as hospitals and clinics.
She added that there is not enough evidence to prove that it is effective outside the said settings. “Alinsunod sa rekomendasyon ng WHO ay hindi po ito replacement o maaaring pamalit sa manual na paglinis sa pagpunas at pagtanggal ng mga contaminants mula sa environmental surfaces. (Following the recommendation of the WHO, it is not a replacement for manual cleaning and removal of contaminants from environmental surfaces),” Vergeire explained.
The health department also emphasized the practice of “tuob” or steam inhalation to kill the virus is not supported by scientific evidence and may even lead to accidents.
“May posibilidad pa na mapasama ang virus sa singaw, na maaaring pagmulan ng lalong pagkalat ng sakit. Ang steam inhalation din po ay nagpaparami ng secretions sa ilong na posibleng makahawa ng sakit sa iba sa pamamagitan ng pagbahing o pag-ubo ng indibidwal,” Vergeire elucidated. (There is a possibility for the virus to be mixed with the steam that could cause transmission. It also increases secretions in the nose that could possibly transmit disease to others through coughing.)
As of June 25, the DOH announced the total number of cases in the country reached 33,069 after 415 fresh and 363 late cases were reported. The death count climbed to 1,212 the while recovery toll rose to 8,910. – Report from Mark Fetalco
