Advisory on Disinfection Cards

Situation
In the context of the ongoing pandemic there has been increased demand for products designed to control COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this advisory is to provide information to African Union Member States about issues surrounding disinfection cards, advertised as protective agents against SARSCOV-2 virus. This document synthesises evidence and provides recommendations to Member States and the public.

Background
There has been increasing use of body worn labels or tags, impregnated with chemical disinfectants, and worn on a lanyard or clipped to clothing, with the purpose of protecting against SARS-COV-2 virus. These are marketed as air purifier capable of removing viruses, bacteria and smog and creating a ring of purified air around the wearer that will protect the wearer from respiratory pathogens such as SARS-COV-2 virus. The proposed mode of action is that these cards release disinfectant into the air constantly over a long period, for around one month.
There is no available evidence that these cards provide any protection against COVID-19.