The Department of Health (DOH) said that some ultraviolet (UV) lamp products being sold online are not effective as a way to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that UV light devices should only be used in clinics, hospitals, or other health centers.
“Meron pong klase ng UV lamp na ginagamit po talaga sa mga hospital settings at mga klinika (There are types of UV lamps that are actually used in hospital settings and clinics),” said Vergeire during an online town hall event on Wednesday, Aug. 18.
“Pero yung mga binibili natin sa Lazada katulad ng hinahawakan lang na parang wand o kaya iba pang instrumento na sinasabi UV lamp ito, ito po ay hindi makakapagbigay proteksyon para sa ating mga kababayan (The ones we buy at Lazada like those handheld wands or other instrument that says it's a UV lamp--- it won't provide protection for our citizens),” she added.
Aside from UV lamps, other non-pharmaceutical interventions that are not recommended by the DOH are the use of foot baths and misting tents.
Vergeire said that experts recommend "cleaning and disinfection of surfaces with appropriate agents."