A senior official of the US Department of Homeland Security said government scientists have discovered that the Coronavirus is averse to conditions like sunlight, humidity, heat and cleaning agents such as bleach and isopropyl alcohol.
This was disclosed during the daily coronavirus briefing at the White House on Thursday by the Chief of the Science and Technology Directorate, of the DHS, William Bryan.
See Also: Nigeria Records 108 New Coronavirus Cases Total Now 981
The Chief of research presented data gotten from the first results of studies by the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center on what condition the coronavirus can survive in.
Speaking to reporters, Chief William said the virus dies at a much faster rate when exposed to higher temperatures and humidity.
Coronavirus dies within six hours when exposed to 75 degree Fahrenheit of heat and 80 percent humidity. It dies within two minutes of direct exposure to sunlight.
The scientists also discovered that bleach kills the virus in five minutes while isopropyl alcohol kills it in one minute.
While noting that humidity and heat are not a guaranteed cure, the Director said the research biolab is testing other conditions including ultraviolet light, humidity, heat and varying concentration of sunlight as well as other chemicals.
Chief William Bryan said however that the findings point to a weak link in the coronavirus chain which he described as numerous.
“That doesn’t take away the other activities, guidance from the White House or the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], that people need to do to protect themselves.”
He said this new information is a weapon in the fight against the virus and the summer environment will create conditions that will lead to a decrease in viral transmission.
He said although the virus may not be eradicated during the summer, the period is an opportunity to get ahead of the pandemic.
When asked by President Donald Trump if the virus can be killed on the hands of an infected person under ideal conditions, Chief Bryan said in theory, sunlight could kill the virus on human skin.
Trump responded saying social distancing restrictions will still be in place during the summer months until the country feels safe.