Scientists from Stony Brook University found that low wind speeds and stale air are linked to a higher incidence of contracting COVID-19 when people socialize outside, perhaps as much as 45% more.
The research is published in BMC Infectious Diseases and was conducted by Sean Clouston et al.
While it may not be the season for beach-going and barbecues, people continue to work and gather outside in many settings.
Is that cause for concern in these latest stages of the pandemic, and new variants?
This study shows the answer may be NO.
The findings are based on COVID-19 incidence in Suffolk County, NY, from March 16, 2020, to December 31, 2020, from public health data of more than 96,000 cases.
The team used these data in combination with daily reports by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the region’s average wind speed and maximal daily temperatures.
The team developed a statistical modeling program that determined from the public health data and weather reports that warmer days with little wind when people socialized outside resulted in significantly more COVID-19 transmission.
They found that days with temperatures ranging from 16 to 28 degrees Celsisus (approximately 61 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit) where wind speed was less than 8.85 kilometers per hour (approximately 5 mph) had significantly increased COVID-19 incidence compared to similar days with an average wind speed of greater than 8.85 kilometers per hour.
The team says the issue is really about an increased danger of infection spread in the presence of stale air as opposed to indoor versus outdoor settings. The findings imply we are all safer when air flow is more significant.
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If you care about COVID, please read studies about a new way to prevent many COVID-19 variants, and health care workers change their minds on COVID vaccinations.
For more information about COVID, please see recent studies about inexpensive heart drug that can help treat severe COVID, and results showing previous COVID-19 infection, but not vaccination, improves antibodies.
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