Cool Weather Conditions In Winter Could Trigger “More Intense Transmission of COVID-19”: Experts
Report By: Nandika Chand| Last Update June 1, 2020
Health experts warn that cool weather conditions in winter could trigger a more intense transmission of COVID-19 infection. Over 6.1 million people, across the world, have contracted the novel coronavirus 372,099 deaths have been recorded.
Marc Lipstich, professor of epidemiology at Harvard, anticipates a slight decline in the contagiousness of COVID-19 in warmer and wetter weather. However, in winter, the professor said there is reason to believe the virus may transmit somewhat more efficiently in comparison to summer. He said the virus will show a similar seasonal pattern to other coronaviruses.
Moreover, colder weather, dryer air both indoors and out, and the way people behave during winter have been cited as factors likely to impact the trajectory of COVID-19. Experts explain that people, in winter, spend more time indoors with less ventilation and less personal space than in summer. And COVID-19, like common cold or flu, are spread by droplets that are released when a person coughs or sneezes. Experts said colder and drier conditions in winter strongly affects the transmission of flu-like illnesses.
Meanwhile, Chris Whitty – England’s chief medical officer has warned that a second wave of COVID-19 could be more severe than the first. He said winter was always worse than summer for respiratory viruses and there was a higher likelihood of transmission during the colder months.
