Some coronaviruses like common colds and influenza are more active in winter months. We don’t yet know whether COVID-19 works the same way. However, we have noticed a sharp uptick in southern hemispheric countries like South Africa after winter arrived. We examine the relationship between a second wave of coronavirus and weather in this post.
Second Wave of Coronavirus and Weather in North America
John Hopkins Medicine cites a study where warm weather reduced COVID-19 spread by one-fifth. Some experts expect a second wave of coronavirus in northern hemisphere due to cooler weather this fall. However, we need to go through at least one annual cycle first, in order to be more certain about this. And the possibility of warmer weather reducing a wave too.
If there is a second wave before fall which is not definite, then John Hopkins Medicine suggests human behavior might be behind it. It warns eloquently of the risks attaching to COVID fatigue. Their author says cellphone data already reveals closer distances. However, it will take several weeks to see the outcome in the data.
How Great a Threat is a Second Wave of COVID-19?
We are still barely a half year into the pandemic. Therefore, we have to fall back on previous viral pandemics for clues. The 1918 Spanish Flu and the 2009 H1N1 Swine Flu pandemics both began with mild waves of infections in spring. But a surge of cases followed when fall arrived.
The World Health Organization suspects a resurgence of COVID-19 is possible in counties that have successfully controlled it before. However, it’s not clear whether this second wave will be down to cooler weather, or COVID-19-fatigued people dropping their collective guard. But we do know our global community remains under threat, and that we must honor our duty to behave responsibly al all times.
Related
The Effect of Weather on the Rate of Spread
The First and Second Waves of Coronavirus
Preview Image: Please Maintain Your Distance
