MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told his people on Friday that they should use gasoline as a disinfectant for protective masks, stressing that his advice was not a joke.
FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte speaks after his arrival, from a visit to Israel and Jordan at Davao International Airport in the city of Davao, in the southern Philippines, on September 8, 2018. REUTERS / Lean Daval Jr / File Photo
The leader opened last week made a similar comment about the use of gasoline in masks if cleaning agents were not available, which his spokesman said was a joke and reminded the public that Duterte often jokingly says things.
“What I said is true,” Duterte said during a televised speech on Friday. “Just go to the gas station and then take a few drops, that’s disinfectant.”
He added: “I am not kidding. That’s true. You think I’m just kidding.
Since March, the use of masks has been mandatory in the Philippines, which has confirmed almost 90,000 coronavirus infections and more than 2,000 deaths.
It reported Southeast Asia’s biggest daily jump in new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row on Friday, as Duterte extended the restrictions to stifle the spread and promised that normalcy would return in December.
Medical experts said their mask cleaning tips were not recommended.
“You can’t use gasoline as a disinfectant. Inhalation can cause harm and could lead to more problems like respiratory illnesses, “José Santiago, president of the Philippine Medical Association, told Reuters.
Health experts recommend soap and water to clean reusable cloth masks, and 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol for proper disinfection.
The first time Duterte suggested using gasoline on the masks, some opponents criticized him with what they called dangerous advice.
“DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Twitter.
“FACT CHECK: Gasoline and diesel should not be used to disinfect.”
Report by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Martin Petty and Alex Richardson
.
