Filipino medical experts in the UAE reminded Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) based in the country to ensure that the sanitizers they will procure should have at least 60 percent alcohol to ensure protection against viruses and like the one that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In The Filipino Times’ live streaming on Facebook titled “TFT Usapang OFW: Alagang Pangkalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19”, doctors said that this percentage is the recommended minimum amount to ensure that the sanitizer properly protects the user.
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“Kapag bibili kayo ng sanitizers, be careful and i-check niyo kung 60 percent alcohol-based,” said Dr. Aileen Villanueva General Practitioner in Mediclinic Abu Dhabi and The Filipino Times Awards 2018 Healthcare Professional of the Year. “Otherwise if normal sanitizer lang, wala din ‘yon silbi.”
Agreeing to Villanueva’s claim of 60 percent alcohol content, Dr. Arlene Adarne Dagondon, a General Practitioner at NMC Deira, said that a sanitizer is a great alternative if handwashing is not available. However, applying it must be done right to ensure protection.
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“Dapat 20 seconds din ang pagapply pero ang pinagkaiba lang [with handwashing], dapat pabayaan mo siyang matuyo at huwag punasan agad,” she said.
“TFT Usapang OFW: Alagang Pangkalusugan sa panahon ng COVID-19”, held on August 7, aimed to help Filipinos make more informed decisions about their health and be more knowledgeable about the changes and improvements in the UAE’s healthcare industry.
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WATCH THE ENTIRE WEBINAR SESSION HERE: