United States President Donald Trump has been faulted by the medical community after suggesting research into whether corona virus might be treated by injecting disinfectant into the body.

He also appeared to propose irradiating patients' bodies with UV light, an idea dismissed by a doctor at the briefing.

During Thursday's White House corona virus task force briefing, an official presented the results of US government research that indicated corona virus appeared to weaken more quickly when exposed to sunlight and heat.

While noting the research should be treated with caution, President Trump suggested further research in the specified area.