DPAThere’s no need to use disinfectant to protect yourself against infection with the novel coronavirus, according to health experts, who say it’s sufficient to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
“The new coronavirus is a virus that can be easily rubbed off your hands by thoroughly washing them,” says Dr Iris Chaberny, director of the Institute of Hygiene at Leipzig University Hospital in Germany. “So for the vast majority of people, it’s unnecessary to stock up on disinfectant.”
Not only is it unnecessary, it can also be dangerous to people who are seriously ill.
“Disinfectants are urgently needed elsewhere – medical personnel need them, not necessarily because of the coronavirus, but to fight other pathogens and because things have to be done quickly in everyday hospital practice,” says Chaberny, explaining there’s not always time for thorough handwashing in hospitals.
There’s no need to use disinfectant to protect yourself against infection with the novel coronavirus, according to health experts, who say it’s sufficient to wash your hands regularly with soap and water. (Photo: Markus Scholz/dpa)
There are also people for whom protection against pathogens is critical at home – cancer patients after chemotherapy, for example. “It would be truly disastrous if there weren’t any more disinfectant” because it’s sold out in shops, remarks Chaberny.
She also warns of instructions for self-mixed disinfectants circulating online. For one thing, disinfection is superfluous and can make people neglect proper handwashing.
What’s more, it can be dangerous if there are no moisturizing substances in the do-it-yourself mixture. “Then your hands dry out and become cracked, making them even more susceptible to pathogens,” Chaberny says.
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More people in Brunei Darussalam have tested positive for COVID-19, according to preliminary tests.
According to the Ministry of Health (MoH), 5 more people tested positive on Tuesday, a day after Brunei reported its first case of coronavirus.
In a statement, the MoH reminded the public not to spread inaccurate information or issue threats to anyone suspected of being infected with COVID-19, including their family members.
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