Troops are being issued with an insect repellent that might offer a new layer of protection against COVID-19, Sky News can reveal.

The product, called Citriodiol, is known to kill types of coronaviruses.

A military source said he had been told there was evidence to suggest that it might have a similar effect on the strain of the disease behind the pandemic.

The company that produces Citriodiol also believes it could offer protection against the novel coronavirus.

Jacqueline Watson, managing director of Citrefine International Ltd, said she would like the government to support a formal testing programme.


"What we can say is that we do feel there is a very good chance it could work against this virus but it does of course need to be thoroughly tested," she told Sky News.

It can also be revealed that soldiers are being issued a disinfectant spray to be used as a decontaminant if they come into contact with someone who has or might have COVID-19.

ESOL is what is used on food to extend its shelf-life. Troops are being given the option to spray it on themselves before washing with soap and water.

In addition, they are set to be offered vitamin D supplements to support their immune system.

The "enhanced force health protection measures" do not replace social distancing, hand-washing or the wearing of personal protective equipment, military sources said.

They are extra. Use is optional, not obligatory.

On the use of insect repellent, one source said the thinking was that if it does not have any adverse effect and there is a chance it might offer additional protection, why not use it?

Priority will be given to personnel who are involved in operational roles and to those who are supporting the government's effort to tackle coronavirus, such as helping at testing sites and delivering personal protective equipment.

Image: British troops have been helping in various ways, including transporting protective equipment

General Sir Richard Barrons, a former senior officer, said he doubted the military would have decided to issue insect repellent without some kind of evidence that it would have an effect.

A worker in the healthcare sector said they would be interested in their staff being issued insect repellent if it really did provide added protection against the illness.

"If it works then that would be great, but it would have to be strongly evidence based," the worker said, asking to remain anonymous.

'Black box is coronavirus game changer'

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

It is found in the insect repellent Mosi Guard and others.

It is understood that only insect repellent containing Citriodiol and not containing Deet is regarded as having the potential of any kind of utility against the novel coronavirus.

The repellent has another useful element.

It evaporates slowly over time, so if its utility against the coronavirus is proven it could provide an added layer of protection for a number of hours.

The product could be added to hand soaps or face masks to bolster protection.

Bottles of spray-on Mosi Guard are already being dispatched to military units.

One source said the repellent is to be applied every four hours.

"I have no problem with putting it on my skin," he said, while noting that it did not smell great.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "The protection and well-being of armed forces personnel is a priority. To help them remain healthy and available for duty the MoD is considering what additional measures can help their immune systems to stay fighting fit."