Trump on use of disinfectant, light against virus

US President Donald Trump discussed the possible uses of heat, light and disinfectants to treat the coronavirus during Thursday's White House briefing.

His comments came after Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Science William Bryan pitched “emerging” research on the benefits of sunlight and humidity in diminishing the threat of the virus.

Trump welcomed that researchers were looking at the effects of disinfectants on the virus and wondered aloud if they could be injected into people, saying the virus “does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that”.

The president, who has consistently looked for hopeful news about containing the virus, was also asked if it was dangerous to make people think they would be safe by going outside in the heat, considering that so many people have died in Florida.

“I hope people enjoy the sun. And if it has an impact, that’s great,” Trump replied.

Past studies have not found good evidence that the warmer temperatures and higher humidity of spring and summer will help tamp down the spread of the virus