Ghanaians have been urged to strongly disregard claims that alcohol can be used as a preventive tool against the contraction of the deadly Coronavirus.
Social media has been set alight following claims that herbal bitters or local gin could be the best alternative to fight the virus in the absence of sanitizers.
But the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) in a statement said: “no herbal bitters or local gin could be a viable substitute for hand rubbing”.
“For a sanitizer to be effective in ridding the hands of coronavirus, sanitizers must have 60-95% alcohol by volume, and that alcohol content for bitters on the market is often less than 45%.”
“Thus, clearly, such bitters and their alcohol contents are inadequate as a sterilizing measure against COVID-19,” the statement added.
The Centre in the statement also said no medicinal plant, or herbal product or local gin has, at yet, been proven to be efficacious against COVID-19.
“CPMR also wishes to place on record that no known medicinal plant, or herbal product or local gin has, at yet, been proven to be efficacious against COVID-19. As a research centre of excellence, however, we are engaging with our various partners and stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Traditional Medicine Practitioners to explore research opportunities in the fight against COVID-19 using herbal medicine.
The centre further advised the public to be mindful of false information and also adhere to the Ghana Health Service guidelines regarding COVID-19.
See full statement below
By Jonathan Ofori, Daily Mail GH | Email: Joevica18@gmail.com
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