Philippines president tells public to wash Covid-19 masks in petrol

And other stories from the stranger side of life

Duterte
Rodrigo Duterte isn’t shy about sharing his views
(Image credit: NOEL CELIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Health officials in the Philippines had to issue a swift correction after President Rodrigo Duterte advised the public to disinfect face masks with petrol. During a speech, Duterte said: “Drench it in gasoline or diesel, and that son of a bitch Covid won’t stand a chance. Just find some gasoline [and] dip your hand [with the mask] in it.” A health official said: “It’s probably one of his jokes.”

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