Dispatch No. 6212/BYT-MT dated August 2nd, 2021 of the Ministry of Health regarding disinfection for COVID-19 prevention and control

Relating to spraying disinfectants for COVID-19 prevention and control, the Ministry of Health has these recommendations:

1. Do not spray germicidal chemicals or preparations for SARS-CoV-2 elimination in outdoor areas.

2. Do not spray germicidal chemicals or preparations on humans in any circumstance, including the use of spraying machines and disinfectant spraying booths.

3. Disinfectants may be sprayed in small areas for decontamination of areas with COVID-19 patients in the community according to the guidelines in Official Dispatch No. 1560/BYT-MT dated March 25th, 2020.

4. When using household and medical germicidal chemicals and preparations with unexpired marketing authorizations, which are granted by the Ministry of Health (Health Environment Management Agency), follow instructions for use on their labels.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor chemical disinfectant spraying is ineffective and might be harmful to the sprayers and persons in areas where chemical disinfectants are sprayed and also affects the environment.

With regard to spraying chemical disinfectants on humans (including the use of spraying machines and disinfectant spraying booths), it does not reduce the risk of infection and might be harmful to human health.