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Look, there are many caveats here, but let’s spell it out step-by-step.

According to research carried out by Britain’s defence laboratory, there is a product found in certain insect repellants that could potentially kill the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The research was conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), and the scientists behind the study are making their findings public so that others can carry on the work.

The Ministry of Defence released the eight-page paper, testing the efficacy of Mosi-guard, yesterday.

Here’s Sky News:

Britain’s armed forces were issued with an insect repellent that contains a product called Citriodiol because it was believed it might offer a new layer of protection against COVID-19, Sky News revealed in April.

Citriodiol is already known to kill other types of coronavirus…

The company that produces Citriodiol also believed it could offer protection against the novel coronavirus…

Citriodiol is made from oil from the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree.

According to Jeremy Quin, a junior defence minister, the research found that sprays containing Citriodiol “can kill the virus”.

The DSTL took a more cautious approach, reports the Guardian, saying that “there was ‘some loss of recoverable virus’ on synthetic latex skin an hour after it had been treated with Mosi-guard”.

Previous research had shown Citriodiol can kill SARS CoV-1, the virus that caused the SARS outbreak in 2004.

A very important point next – the mosquito spray is not sufficient protection on its own, and the British military uses it in conjunction with other preventative measures, such as face masks and the washing of hands.

If it’s Citriodiol you’re after, we found this from on PressReader, from Getaway’s December 2019 issue, discussing Mosquito Guard:

Mosquito Guard’s natural ingredient, Citriodiol, is the most powerful insect repellent, making it the leading brand of natural insect repellents….It is also available in five-hour and 10-hour protection and is non-toxic, therefore making it the preferred choice.

The Mosquito Guard website is here, but you can also order it online from Dis-Chem here. It looks a little something like this:

As long as you continue with all of the COVID-19 precautions you were already taking, go right ahead and use it.

Because, again for those who struggle with comprehension, the mosquito spray is not sufficient protection on its own.

[sources:sky&guardian]