The Brief: Trump disinfectant memes are going viral on social media after President Trump suggested injecting disinfectant into the body to treat the Coronavirus.

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DEEP DIVE

During a press briefing on April 23, President Donald Trump suggested injecting a “disinfectant” into the body as a possible cure for the Coronavirus.

“I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute, one minute,” President Trump said. “Is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs, and it does a tremendous number on the lungs, so it’d be interesting to check that.”

Ingesting Lysol, Clorox Bleach, Tide Pods, or any other cleaning agent is not a tested or effective manner in which to treat the infection. RB (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has since issued a press release advising people not to ingest any of their products. The statement read:

“Due to recent speculation and social media activity, RB (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).

As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route). As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information.”

Many internet users found Trump’s suggestion ill-advised, creating a number of memes in response, like this one, displaying how “the cure” could be used in hospitals:

There are also these methods for people on the go:

And these very special happy hour cocktails:

And many, many more:

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The Cure

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There was also this incredibly punny tweet: