The coronavirus can be killed by sunlight in a matter of minutes, according to research by the Department of Homeland Security.
Radiation given off by ultraviolet light damages the virus’ genetic material and hampers its ability to replicate, the study found.
Results of the research were presented to reporters at the White House last night by William Bryan, a Department of Homeland Security science and technology advisor.
Mr Bryson revealed that increased temperature and humidity were also detrimental to the virus, offering hope that its spread may ease over the summer.
‘Our most striking observation to date is the powerful effect that solar light appears to have on killing the virus, both surfaces and in the air,’ he said.
‘We’ve seen a similar effect with both temperature and humidity as well, where increasing the temperature and humidity or both is generally less favorable to the virus.’
The study, which was leaked last week, was carried out by the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center.
The laboratory in in Frederick, Maryland, was set up following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to address biological threats.
-DailyMail
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