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Updated: April 21, 2020 7:02:33 pm
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Workers spray themselves with disinfecting solution in Gujarat. (Express photo: Bhupendra Rana)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Immediately after the announcement of the national closure last month, when countless migrant workers began to walk hundreds of kilometers in hopes of reaching their towns or cities, images emerged from various parts of the country, including Bareilly at UP, of migrants who are sprayed with disinfectant solution.
As the country prepares for some relaxations and industries prepare to start operating under stringent conditions, including housing workers on the premises, the Ministry of Health has issued a detailed notice against spraying humans with disinfectants.
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What does the order say?
The order dated April 19 says: “The spraying of individuals or groups is NOT recommended under any circumstances. Spraying an individual or group with chemical disinfectants is physically and psychologically harmful. Even if a person is potentially exposed to the COVID-19 virus, spraying the outside of the body does not kill the virus that has entered their body. Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they are effective even in disinfecting outerwear / body effectively. “
The notice has been issued, officials say, to avoid a repeat when workers begin to return to industries that qualify for relaxation. Interior Ministry guidelines require that they be housed on the premises, but “disinfection” at the entrance is a very real danger.
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A screenshot shows healthcare workers, in protective suits, spraying a solution on migrants before allowing them to enter the city of Bareilly on Monday, March 30, 2020. (PTI photo)
How is “disinfection” carried out?
Disinfection of the SARS-CoV2 virus is usually done with a sodium hypochlorite solution, commonly known as bleach. It is a strong chemical. “Disinfectant” refers to substances applied to inanimate objects due to their strong chemical properties. Chemical disinfectants are recommended for cleaning and disinfection only of areas / surfaces frequently touched by those suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19, ”states the notice.
What is the problem of spraying people with this solution?
It can be harmful. Furthermore, the act itself is meaningless. This is because the disinfectant needs a specific time to act in an area and, according to the disinfection protocol, any place that has been disinfected must be kept closed at night. “There are very clear rules for this. You disinfect with sodium hypochlorite and then the place remains closed overnight. If during that time someone enters the place, regardless of whether that person is carrying the infection or not, the process must be repeated, “explained a senior official at the National Center for Disease Control.
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What are the possible harmful effects?
The sodium hypochlorite solution is unstable and breaks down quickly to release chlorine. Chlorine can have various ill effects, the Ministry of Health said.
“Chlorine spray on people can cause irritation to the eyes and skin and potentially gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and vomiting. Inhalation of sodium hypochlorite can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, airways and can also cause bronchospasm. Furthermore, the use of such measures may in fact lead to a false sense of disinfection and security and, in fact, hinder public observance of hand washing and social distancing measures, ”the ad says.
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