Will coronavirus go away in the spring when there's warmer weather?

16 March 2020, 10:53

Coronavirus in spring: Will warmer weather help prevent further spread?
Coronavirus in spring: Will warmer weather help prevent further spread? Picture: PA

By Zoe Adams

Coronavirus is spreading fast in the UK and globally but will spring weather help slow it down? Here’s what experts think about the impact of spring.

As confirmed cases of coronavirus increase across the globe, the public and experts are asking - will spring and warmer weather impact the spread of COVID-19?

Judging the behaviour of viruses and diseases similar to coronavirus, it would be easy to assume that higher temperatures should help ease the pressure of the global pandemic.

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So will the warmer weather help with the coronavirus spread? Here’s everything you need to know:

Coronavirus UK: Warmer weather could slow down transmission
Coronavirus UK: Warmer weather could slow down transmission. Picture: PA

Will coronavirus go away in the spring?

Health experts have said it won’t go away but it is likely it could slow the spread of the virus.

Professionals have said the air in the colder months is generally drier which illnesses such as the flu and coronaviruses tend to prefer for transmission.

It’s not only the weather but also social situations - when the weather is better people tend to go outdoors more, get vitamin D, and therefore live a healthier lifestyle than we typically do in the winter.

Experts, however, have admitted we don’t know coronavirus well enough to predict the impact of spring and warmer weather. As it’s still a relatively new virus, there is less immunity globally and therefore transmission will always be easier.

Coronavirus is expected to put many European countries in lockdown
Coronavirus is expected to put many European countries in lockdown. Picture: PA

What’s the best way to help prevent coronavirus then?

At this stage, experts are still stressing that public health interventions are going to be more successful than waiting for warmer weather.

The public are urged to continue to self-isolate when suffering with symptoms, to stay away from the more vulnerable and to wash our hands and avoid touching our faces.