Despite some doctors claiming that weather has no or littlerole to play in the new coronavirus (COVID-19) spread in India especially inthe northern parts of the country, top health experts on Friday emphasised thatthe present weather in Delhi and NCR is conducive for the spread of the deadlyvirus.
Delhi is not going to see any substantial increase in thetemperature any time soon, according to the Indian Meteorological Department(IMD), and low temperature generally facilitates the spread of coronavirus aswe have seen in other colder countries – killing over 3,000 people andinfecting close to 1 lakh people.
“The environment plays an important role in determiningthe survivability and spreadability of the virus. Coronavirus tend to grow morein low temperature and humidity,” Dr Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant,Respiratory and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, toldIANS.
Two things that are not favourable for this virus aresunlight and temperature above 26-27 degree Celsius.
“Sunlight will cut the virus’ ability to grow in halfso the half-life will be 2.5 minutes. The temperature in south India rangesfrom 25-32 degree Celsius which is not favourable for the multiplication ofvirus. Also, the region tends to be humid as mostly it’s a coastal area,”Chawla explained.
Thus, the threat in southern India is lesser than the northIndia or north-east parts of the country, he stressed.
The three people who got infected by the virus in Keralawere treated and discharged from the hospital after they recovered.
According to Dr Meenakshi Jain, Associate Director, InternalMedicine, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Noida, it is the high heat that killsthis deadly virus.
“When the weather is dry and hot, the spread of thevirus will be under control. Good ventilation is imperative to reduce thechances of the spread of the virus. As the normal temperature in southern Indiais comparatively high, the chances of infection are low in that part pf thecountry,” she told IANS.
One more person on Friday tested positive for novelcoronavirus or COVID-19 in the Capital, said the Ministry of Health and FamilyWelfare, taking the total number of cases in the country to 31.
Over 28,000 people are under coronavirus observation in thecountry, according to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.
According to the experts, the chances of infection are lowas compared to the moist and cold regions of the nation.
“Crowded urban areas have higher chances of infections.With Holi coming up, crowded areas should be avoided. Anybody having fever,cold etc, should avoid coming to crowded places till they are not fit again.Avoid hugging, handshakes and kissing during the festival,” Jain emphasized.
Masks generally do not have much role in reducingtransmission of infections for the healthy.
People who are having infections or any flu should insteadwear a mask to reduce the chances of infecting others. People who come in closecontact with patients should always use high-quality masks to protectthemselves from the virus, said the doctor.
No matter whether it is summer or winter, limiting thespread of coronavirus to the maximum extent possible should be the priority ofeveryone, added Chawla.
“Cover cough with a disposable tissue or use mask anddiscard them immediately. Don’t wear the mask for more than a day. Viruses canlast for 48 hours on objects and the only effective way to get rid of those isto wash and clean surfaces with soap,” said New Delhi-based Dr. Renu Garg.