Microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles is urging New Zealanders not to inject themselves with disinfectant after US President Donald Trump suggested it could kill COVID-19.

During the White House's press conference on Thursday, a study was presented which showed coronavirus appeared to weaken when exposed to sunlight and heat, and suggested bleach and isopropyl could kill it within five minutes.

Trump then suggested people could inject themselves with the products to eliminate the virus and encouraged experts to look into it.

During her live stream Q&A on Friday, Dr Wiles was asked whether she thought it was a good idea.

"I can't believe that I have to tell you that please don't inhale or inject disinfectants," she said.

"Disinfectants are things like bleach and stuff, and they are really dangerous.

"They generally have warnings on them not to drink them or do anything - so yeah, please don't do that, whoever is thinking that's a good idea."