Do high temperatures reduce the transmission of the coronavirus?
A research paper written by four Chinese professors claims that high temperatures and high relative humid humidity significantly reduce the transmission of coronavirus.
Verdict: False
In the official Facebook page,World Health Organization (WHO) said from the evidence so far, the new corona virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather.
“From the evidence so far, the Covid-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with humid and hot weather, Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting Covid-19″.
“You can catch Covid-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with Hot weather have reported cases of Covid-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose.” said the World Health Organization.
WHO also revealed that even in cold weather and snow, the virus can be transmitted.
“There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius, regardless of the external temperature or weather,” said WHO.
Source: An online paper written on March 16, 2020,
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2020/03/study-high-temperature-and-humidity-reduce-transmission-of-coronavirus.php
The papers conclude that the arrival of summer and rainy season can effectively reduce the transmission of the Covid-19.
Meanwhile there are Countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda which have high temperatures and they have recorded positive cases of coronavirus.
Even countries that have cold weather such as United States of America,United Kingdom and Italy have recorded positive cases of the virus.
Contacted for a comment, The Meteorological Service Department Director,Tichaone Zinyemba said at the moment they can not prove if the virus propagates during summer or winter.
“When you talk about viruses, their propagation therefore are not similar to say breeding of mosquitos in hot weather,” said Zinyemba.
