MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told his other friends Friday that they use gas as a disinfectant for protective masks, and under pressure that their recommendation was not a joke.
The Frank leader did something similar last week about using gas in the mask if cleaning agents were unavailable, which his spokesman called a joke and reminded the audience that Duterte occasionally jokes.
“What I said is true,” Duterte said in a televised showdown on Friday. “Just go to the fuel station, then take a few drops, it’s disinfectant.”
He added: “I’m joking. It’s true. You think I’m joking.”
Masking has been mandatory in the Philippines since March, confirming nearly 90,000 coronavirus infections and more than 2,000 deaths.
He reported on Friday the biggest jump in new coronavirus cases in Southeast Asia for a consecutive day, as Duterte prolonged restrictions to curb the spread and promised that normality would return in December.
Medical experts said their mask cleaning tips were recommended.
“You can’t use gas as a disinfectant. Their inhalation can cause harm and lead to more disorders such as respiratory diseases,” José Santiago, president of the Philippine Medical Association, told Reuters.
Health experts put soap and water on the mask of reusable fabric in white and 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol for disinfection.
The first time Duterte advised gas on the masks, some wary parties blew up what they called harmful advice.
“Don’t do THIS to BUTO,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Twitter.
“” RESIFICATION OF FACTS: Gasoline and diesel should not be used for disinfection “
Reports by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing through Martin Petty and Alex Richardson
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