COVID-19 cases and deaths continue rising in France and Europe. Could spring's warmer weather slow the outbreak like seasonal flu? Experts say it's possible but not guaranteed.
France reports 3,667 confirmed cases and 79 deaths. Italy faces a graver situation with 17,660 cases and 1,266 deaths, while Spain has 5,232 cases and 133 deaths. Predicting the pandemic's end remains challenging, yet spring brings hope. LCI interviewed Etienne Decroly, research director at CNRS's Architecture and Function of Biological Macromolecules (AFMB) lab in Marseille.
Decroly notes that a spring slowdown is a plausible hypothesis. Coronaviruses are seasonal, influenced by climate. Recent German research shows the virus loses stability above 30°C.
Per Decroly, dehydration in hot, dry air reduces viral infectivity. Fewer cases in the southern hemisphere suggest climate plays a role. However, avoid overinterpreting.
Africa's hot, dry climate yields few reported cases, likely due to limited testing, demographics with fewer vulnerable elderly, or true containment.
Australia's current weather mirrors Europe's coming months, offering clues on seasonality. Patience is needed for clear data.
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