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The use of disinfection tunnels or disinfectant spraying of humans as a measure to reduce the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus

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C L Gray, A van Niekerk

Abstract


In endeavouring to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a concerning practice of spraying individuals with disinfectant via so-called ‘disinfection tunnels’ has come to light. The Allergy Society of South Africa supports the World Health Organization in strongly condemning all human spraying, owing to lack of efficacy and potential dangers, especially to patients with coexisting allergic conditions.


Authors' affiliations

C L Gray, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Kidsallergy Paediatric and Allergy Centre; Honorary Secretary, Allergy Society of South Africa

A van Niekerk, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Private practice, Durban and Johannesburg; Chairperson, Allergy Society of South Africa

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Keywords

COVID-19; Disinfection tunnels; Human spraying; Potential harms; Respiratory tract irritation; Eczema; Eye irritation; Misuse of funding; False claims

Cite this article

South African Medical Journal 2020;110(8):751-752. DOI:10.7196/SAMJ.2020.v110i8.14995

Article History

Date submitted: 2020-06-11
Date published: 2020-06-11

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