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The Department of Education has said that schools may choose to close on Friday because of the recall of a hand sanitizer product.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine Affairs has removed the hand sanitizer product ‘Virapro Hand Sanitiser (PCS 100409)’ from the ‘Biocidal Products Registry’ due to “potential public health concerns”.
The public is advised to stop using this disinfectant with immediate effect.
Tests conducted by the Department show that some of the disinfectants for sale do not comply with regulations “governing the content and effectiveness of such products.”
“Some of the product contains methanol instead of ethanol. Prolonged use of such a disinfectant can cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory irritation and headaches,” the Department of Agriculture said.
“This product may not remain on the market or be unavailable for use. The department has directed the company involved to initiate an immediate recall of all products,” he added.
Hand sanitizer is distributed by one of 11 vendors under the Department of Education for PPE in schools.
The Department is asking schools to check for stock of ViraPro hand sanitizer and stop using it.
The Department said schools affected by this can make local arrangements to purchase replacement stocks of hand sanitizer and maximize the use of hand washing.
He said that if schools deem it necessary to close early or for the full day, they can.
Any school having difficulty obtaining a replacement hand sanitizer should contact the Department’s Covid-19 Helpline that has been provided to schools.
“Additional funds will be provided to schools so that they can purchase necessary supplies from an alternative supplier,” the Department said.
A Department of Agriculture investigation is underway into the matter.
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