President Duterte said that Filipinos can use gasoline to wash their hands during his pre-recorded public address on Monday night,
This was the same suggestion he made in July last year, but medical experts already said using petrol as disinfectant is not recommended and that it may even cause harm when inhaled.
“Sabi ko nga sa inyo magpunta na kayo sa gasolinahan, hindi ako nagpapatawa. Iyong pagtubil (gas up) na may maiwan talaga ‘yan kakaunti pagtapos pag-pump diyan sa sasakyan, mayroon ‘yan. ‘Di maghingi ka lang, sabihin mo, ‘Maghugas lang ako ng...’ (I told you, go to the gasoline station. I am not trying to make you laugh. When you gas up, there is still some left in the pump. Ask the attendant for some, say ‘I’m just going to wash...’).”
Medical experts suggest the use of water and soap to clean your hands and reusable face masks. If soap and water are not available, people can clean their hands with alcohol instead.
The President appealed to the public to follow minimum health protocols to curb the transmission of COVID-19. This came after the country recorded the fourth straight day since October 2020 that the positive COVID-19 cases breached the 3,000-mark.
“Kasi kung magmaskara ka lang tapos may face shield ka, imposible na mahawa ka (Because if you will only wear masks and face shield, it’s impossible for you to get infected),” he reiterated.
Duterte reminded the public to wear masks, wash hands, and observe social distancing.
“Maniwala kayo sa gobyerno, sumunod lang kayo. Iyan ang sikreto diyan. Hindi para sa --- hindi para sa ibang tao ‘yan, para sa iyo at para sa ibang tao kasi hawain mo (Believe in the government, just follow. That’s the secret. This is not for others, but for you and for the people you may pass on the virus to),” he said.
Asymptomatic people can still pass on the virus to others, Duterte stressed, adding that people should stop touching their face as the virus can enter through the eyes, nose, and mouth.