According to a recent report by the BBC, more than 150 different drugs have been tested around the world to see if they could stand as a cure for the coronavirus but have had dissatisfactory results. On the other hand, human trials for the coronavirus vaccine have started in Germany and the UK. It is no doubt that scientists are working round the clock to find a solution.
While all this happens, Donald Trump in the recent White House coronavirus briefing suggested that sunlight, heat, and humidity could kill the virus, reports The Indian Express. He also went on to ask if disinfectants like bleach and isopropyl alcohol could be injected into a COVID-19 patient as medication.
Addressing his coronavirus task force coordinator Dr Deborah Birx, Trump said:
“There’s been a rumour, a very nice rumour, that if you go outside in the sun or you have heat, it does have an effect on other viruses. Speak to the medical doctors to see if there’s any way that you can apply light and heat to cure (the virus).”
He went on to add:
“So supposing we hit the body with a tremendous ultraviolet or just a very powerful light. Supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or some other way. I think you said you’re going to test that too.”
Bill Bryan, the Acting Undersecretary of Science and Technology for the Department of Homeland Security, spoke about experiments in which disinfectants like bleach and isopropyl alcohol quickly killed the virus.
Addressing him Donald Trump asked whether there was a way they could inject disinfectants into people, almost like a “cleaning”, reports BBC.
“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?” he asks.
Have a look at the video here:
After hearing presentation President Trump suggests irradiating people's bodies with UV light or injecting them with bleach or alcohol to deal with COVID19. pic.twitter.com/cohkLyyl9G
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) April 23, 2020
People on the internet are not just face-palming super hard right now but many tweeted how Trump’s claims were inaccurate, “irresponsible”, and “disastrous”.
Here is Dr. Birx's reaction when President Trump asks his science advisor to study using UV light on the human body and injecting disinfectant to fight the coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/MVno5X7JMA
— Daniel Lewis (@Daniel_Lewis3) April 24, 2020
"I certainly wouldn't recommend the internal ingestion of a disinfectant," says FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn, responding to President Trump suggesting the use of a disinfectant that can kill a Covid-19 infection "by injection inside." #CNNTownHall https://t.co/IlD9ZOfPy7 pic.twitter.com/jpFttUrZZE
— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) April 24, 2020
Watch a scientist react to Trump’s remarks about using light to fight coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/9cmv0oCGir
— Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) April 23, 2020
Trump is absolutely wrong and irresponsible to suggest that sunlight or heat can treat people with the coronavirus. Many older individuals, who are vulnerable to heat stroke and dehydration, may die listening to his advice. Sunlight and heat can decontaminate surfaces not people.
— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) April 23, 2020
Information presented at WH Press briefing should not be considered evidence of virus slowing or seasonality. Just look at what’s happening now in Ecuador
— Prof Peter Hotez MD PhD (@PeterHotez) April 23, 2020
Donald Trump is talking about somehow putting sunlight inside the body so it can magically kill coronavirus… and my head just exploded.
— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) April 23, 2020
First Trump pushed hydroxychloroquine as a possible miracle cure. Now he wants people to inject a magic disinfectant and stand in the sun. Maybe he should let the scientists and the health professionals lead the way instead of pushing potentially deadly medical advice. https://t.co/qgL8qZYu8f
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 23, 2020
Ah, I see — Trump wasn't stupid for staring into thateclipse.
He was soaking up the sun's disinfecting power to rid his body of any viruses. pic.twitter.com/op7RuzNQ81
— Kevin M. Kruse (@KevinMKruse) April 23, 2020
This one little segment should be enough to have him removed from office. If our nation hadn’t been hijacked by hate, stupidity and anti-science. It’s like an SNL skit, but it’s really happening, he’s saying it. And she sits there nodding.
— Jim W (@victorehusky) April 23, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for whoever has to explain to Trump why we can't inject people with bleach.
— Matt Rogers 🎙️ (@Politidope) April 23, 2020
Obama wanted you to have health insurance…Trump wants you to drink bleach.
The difference between both parties summed up. #Clorox
— vic 💛 (@vicsepulveda) April 24, 2020
So, after another disastrous trump briefing, there will be folks chugging Tide Pods, injecting bleach, and holding protests for their rights as Americans to do so.
Thoughts and prayers.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant Rep John Lewis! (@mmpadellan) April 23, 2020
We are all Dr Birx 😱pic.twitter.com/X8wfiLgqCv
— Cromwell (@Cromwell606) April 24, 2020
Dr Trump: “Can we inject the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute”
Dr Birx:pic.twitter.com/7z9WryVFaG
— Peanut (@IndignantPeanut) April 24, 2020
When Dr Trump suggests that injecting Dettol might cure #COVID19, you can see his medical expert Dr Birx blinking "HELP ME" in morse code. #disifectant #TrumpPressBriefing pic.twitter.com/EBzNkfDQ4Z
— Parody Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson_MP) April 24, 2020
"Right honey, all set. Where are the kids?"#TrumpPressBriefing pic.twitter.com/oUrO7VHMYb
— ❄Steel Snowflake❄ (@Groot66) April 24, 2020
The worst aspect of Trump suggesting injecting disinfectant to "knock it out" is that we all know someone will try this and end up in A and E.
Trump is a dangerous source of misinformation and a direct threat to public health.
— Katy (@KatyJayne101) April 24, 2020
Trump supporters after today’s press briefing. #TrumpPressBriefing pic.twitter.com/38AsutJixs
— VisuallyIsolated (@Isuckatpicking) April 23, 2020
Just released: Revolutionary new masks Trump is recommending are able to combine light and bleaching, defeating the coronavirus from the inside.#Sunlight#Clorox #TrumpPressBriefing pic.twitter.com/dHDHC4YoiD
— Sean the Leprechaun (@seanryan4) April 24, 2020
Health officials have not confirmed any of Trump’s suggestions as cure for coronavirus. In fact, disinfectants are hazardous substances and can be poisonous if ingested. Even external exposure can be dangerous to the skin, eyes, and the respiratory system.
We just hope people do not take his claims seriously and instead educate themselves more on the current pandemic!