Medical experts: Stop use of thermal scanners, misting at checkpoints

by

Medical professionals and doctors are urging authorities in Metro Manila to stop using thermal scanners and misting at quarantine checkpoints to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said medical practitioners suggested during a meeting on Friday to discontinue such measures.

Doctors from San Lazaro Hospital, Sta. Ana Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, and the health offices of Quezon City and Muntinlupa City also recommended stopping the use of disinfection tent as “studies show it is no longer effective in the elimination of the (coronavirus).”

In June, Capt. Casey Gutierrez died after he underwent “decontamination after attending to a patient” and accidentally inhaled bleach, which was used as a disinfectant in a quarantine facility where he was assigned.

A source said Gutierrez was “undergoing decontamination after attending to a patient” when suddenly he had difficulty breathing.

Those who responded rushed him to the NP General Hospital at Camp Crame for initial medical treatment.

The doctor’s partner, Shella Distor, who is also a medical practitioner, said she became worried after a police officer called her and said Guiterrez would be intubated.

Also read: Representatives can get SAP 2 benefits of senior citizens, PWDs – DSWD

When Distor arrived at the hospital, she saw her partner in obvious pain and lying on a stretcher. She then initiated to transfer him to the Lung Center of the Philippines for treatment but died five days later.

After the incident, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ban misting uniformed personnel as the measure is not also proven to kill the virus.

The medical experts also advised the police to make quarantine violators observe minimum health standards such as physical distancing and wearing a face mask while doing community service.

The doctors added police stations should also set up a health declaration system to monitor the activity.

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas assured that PNP would “strictly enforce and implement the policies and guidelines” the recommendations of medical experts and the national government.

Also read: NBI to probe death of PNP doctor