[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] A study has found that the infection rate of COVID-19 is closely related to temperature.
On the 9th, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP), a research team from Sun Yat-sen University in China stated that COVID-19 reacts very sensitively to temperature, spreading fastest at 8.72 degrees Celsius and showing a declining trend above that temperature.
The research team said, "COVID-19 is very sensitive to high temperatures," adding, "Hotter countries can better prevent the spread of infection, but countries with lower temperatures are more vulnerable to infection spread." They also urged, "Countries and regions with low temperatures should implement stricter COVID-19 control measures."
The team's study was conducted based on confirmed cases in 400 cities and regions within China, as well as worldwide cases, between January 20 and February 4.
However, despite the close relationship between COVID-19 infection and temperature, there is caution against hoping that the spread of COVID-19 will naturally subside as the weather warms.
Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Response Team, said, "There are predictions that COVID-19 will subside in summer like the flu, but this is just an assumption," and added, "We must assume the virus can continue to spread and prepare accordingly. It is a false hope to think the virus will disappear just because it gets warmer, like the flu."
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