In the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when not much was known about the terrifying Coronavirus and the disease it caused, there were hopes that the pandemic would peter off as the weather got hotter. As we move towards summer, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen at all.
In fact, experts warn that any early easing of social distancing and shelter-in-place protocols would actually lead to an unbearable spike in infection rates across the country. The White House has been keen to open up the country to a more normal way of life, preferably in the first week of May. However, experts including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, believe that opening the country and easing lock-down and social distancing protocols now would be hazardous, and would actually lead to an increase in Covid-19 cases over the summer.
Across the globe, there has been little to indicate that an increase in temperatures is in any way helpful in destroying the virus. The virus is spreading in places as notoriously hot as India and Brazil. India, for instance, has only been to control its infection rates through strictly-enforced lock-down measures.
It is unlikely that we will be able to resume our normal work and recreation lives once summer sets in. According to the New York Times, if social distancing restrictions are removed after the 30-day recommended period, we could see Covid-19 death numbers spiking to as high as 200,000 fatalities. Social distancing protocols will have to be followed right through summer if we are to keep infection and death rates in check.
This summer, plan on staying home, and maintain hand sanitation routines.