Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 27: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today said that while there was some hope that summer heat will stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, the situation on the ground suggests otherwise.
“Despite high temperatures, COVID-19 cases are rising in Kashmir; with hundreds of new cases surfacing each day, Kashmir has recorded more than 4,000 COVID cases in last 26 days,” DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan said.
He said that the high levels of heat and humidity prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses; even some related coronavirus show fewer cases in summer and they mainly circulate in winter months.
“We were hoping the heat of summer will also reduce the viability of the novel virus, but, COVID-19 seems to behave differently and the virus is spreading in spite of soaring temperatures,” Dr Nisar said.
He added that those who have not yet developed immunity to the virus would get the disease no matter the season.
Dr Nisar said policy makers and the public should remain vigilant in their response to the pandemic, rather than assuming that the summer climate will naturally prevent the spread of the virus.
“Studies have shown that public health measures like restrictions on mass gatherings, school closure, physical distancing and wearing face mask play an important role in stemming the spread of the disease,” he said.
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