Against the Wind

Is a slower outdoor wind speed is associated with an increased risk of transmission when individuals socialize outside? A study done between March 16th and December 31st, 2020 took a look at wind speed and maximal daily temperature to see if they might affect the infection rates of COVID-19.

Cases were very high in the initial wave but diminished once lockdown procedures were enacted. Analyses revealed that days with temperatures ranging between 60° and 82°F where wind speed was < 5.4 miles per hour (MPH) had an increased COVID-19 chance of infection.

The risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the summer was higher on days with low wind speed. Outdoor use of increased physical distance between individuals, improved air circulation, and use of masks may be helpful in outdoor environments where airflow is limited.

Most known respiratory viruses spread during the cold season in the temperate Northern hemisphere. As temperatures drop the chance of infection from COVID-19 may increase outdoors but good airflow will reduce the chance of infection.

COVID-19 transmits via aerosolized viral particles that begin shedding before symptoms are evident. As a result, approximately half of those diagnosed with COVID-19 report not knowing where they may have become infected. This lack of knowledge may be because COVID-19 transmits in outdoor spaces that are believed to be safe. COVID-19 can transmit through the air over relatively long distances. The new Omicon variant has been found to linger in the air longer making it far more transmissible that the previous variants.

The bottom line is to keep wearing masks where air can stagnate, particularly indoors,  social distance and wash hands often. If you are near others outside and there is no wind it would also be advisable to wear a mask. Omicron is a game changer being so highly transmissible. It is advisable that you consider anyone you meet in the next few weeks to be potentially infected.  We will all be exposed to Omicron in the next month or so.