The supreme court on Thursday demanded the centre to issue guidelines on the ban on disinfectants and ultraviolet rays on humans for covid 19 management. A committee headed by Ashok Bhushan asked the government to take the required steps within a month.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta states that the Health Ministry has not issued any advisory or guideline on use of ultraviolet lights for the disinfection of humans for COVID-19 management and also added that spraying of any chemical disinfectant is also physically and psychologically harmful for humans.
Tushar Mehta said appropriate steps will be taken regarding the issues.
The top court was hearing a PIL filed by Gursimran Singh Narula who also sought forth with a ban on the spraying of organic disinfectants and using of UV rays on humans.
The Centre, in its affidavit, had submitted that as public health and hospitals are state subject, it is for the states/Union Territories to implement the guidelines issued by the Health Ministry, and the role of Government of India is limited to providing necessary guidance and financial support.
“It was also observed that in indoor spaces, routine application of disinfectants to environmental surfaces by spraying or fogging (also known as fumigation or misting) is not recommended for COVID-19 as the disinfectants may not be effective in removing organic material and may miss surface shielded by objects, folded fabrics or surface with intricate designs,” it said.
The Centre had said the committee has reiterated that spraying of individuals with disinfectants (such as tunnels, cabinets, cambers) is not recommended as it will not diminish the infected person’s ability to spread the virus through droplets or contact.
