The big headline out of yesterday’s White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing? That President Trump “wants to inject coronavirus patients with disinfectant.” And while that’s not exactly true – some of his comments did leave people scratching their heads. But more on that in a minute.
First up, DHS Science and Technology leader William Bryan revealed some new information about the virus. Among other things, Bryan says the coronavirus decays faster in warmer situations, that direct solar light has a powerful effect on killing it, as do with increased temperatures and humidity. Conversely, the virus survives best in cooler temperatures and dry conditions.
But it was his remarks about bleach and isopropyl alcohol killing the virus that Trump was most intrigued by. "I see the disinfectant that knocks it out in one minute,” he offered. “Is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning? As you see, it gets in the lungs, it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it would be interesting to check that."
Where does the United States stand with COVID-19? At last check, there are more than 869-thousand cases across the United States – with just over 49-thousand patients succumbing to the illness – though more than 80-thousand have recovered. Globally, the numbers remains at just over 2.7-million people infected by the virus – with more than 190-thousand dead. On the plus side, more than 742-thousand have recovered (that’s up about 25-thousand from the day before).
Meanwhile, Trump is considering extending social distancing guidelines. During the briefing, he noted the guidelines could go beyond May 1st if he “thinks the country isn't in a safe place.” The measures put in place back in March are set to expire at the end of this month. The new expiration date was part of Trump's first extension after it was clear the country wouldn't reopen by Easter.
Source: White House