Spraying disinfectant on the streets, as practiced in some countries, does not eliminate the new coronavirus and even poses a health risk, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned
Every day, we see news regarding how to avoid the spread of coronavirus. Many have suggested methods to kill the virus. Among them was the spraying disinfectant on streets. Will this act keep us safe or trouble us more?
The World Health Organisation has said spraying disinfectant on the streets does not eliminate the new coronavirus and even poses a health risk. The WHO added that the spraying disinfectant on the streets does not have any effect on the new contamination and can have a negative impact on health.
“Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or marketplaces, is... not recommended to kill the COVID-19 virus or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris,” explains the WHO.
Spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects, it adds.
“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.
How to kill them?
The WHO says, “If disinfectants are to be applied, this should be done with a cloth or wipe that has been soaked in disinfectant.
Studies have shown that the virus can stay on several types of surfaces for several days.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of the pandemic that has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide since its appearance in late December in China, can attach itself to surfaces and objects.