Ambev, the company responsible for producing several beer labels in Brazil, announced this Tuesday (17) that it will start producing alcohol gel for distribution.
Therefore, free of charge, to hospitals of the public network in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the Federal District. Although they are where there is the largest number of confirmed cases of coronavirus to date.
According to the Ambev brewery, 500,000 units of alcohol gel will be produced and each unit should receive 5,000 bottles. However, all production will be done on the brewery's line in Piraí, Rio de Janeiro, where 500,000 packages will also be produced.
“Therefore, the demand for alcohol gel has continued to increase in recent days and there is already a shortage of the product on the market. Considering that one of the restrictions for its replacement is the packaging for bottling, Ambev will make alcohol gel available in PET bottles like those used for its beverages, which are not currently in short supply,” says an excerpt from the note.
The alcohol used to produce the antiseptic will be removed at the time of manufacturing Brahma 0.0 – a label that does not contain alcohol – in addition to the normal brewing process.
How to prevent coronavirus?
The Ministry of Health recommends basic precautions to reduce the general risk of contracting or transmitting acute respiratory infections, including coronavirus. The measures include:
However, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, respecting the 5 moments of hygiene. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue and throw it in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Healthcare professionals should use standard, contact and droplet precautions (surgical mask, gloves, non-sterile apron and protective glasses).
When carrying out procedures that generate aerosolization of respiratory secretions, such as intubation, airway aspiration or sputum induction, aerosol precautions should be used, with the use of an N95 mask.
WHO declares new coronavirus pandemic
The World Health Organization (WHO) said last Wednesday (11) that the Covid-19 epidemic, which has infected more than 110,000 people worldwide since the end of December, can be considered a “pandemic”, but that it can be “controlled”.
“We are deeply concerned about the alarming levels of spread and severity, as well as the alarming levels of inaction” in the world, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference in Geneva.
“We therefore consider that Covid-19 can be characterized as a pandemic,” he stated.