Both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a report out of China are dampening hopes that -- as happens with colds and the flu-- COVID-19 might begin to fade with hotter weather.
"Given that countries currently in 'summer' climates, such as Australia and Iran, are experiencing rapid virus spread, a decrease in cases with increases in humidity and temperature elsewhere should not be assumed," according to experts at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
"Our study does not support the hypothesis that high temperatures and UV radiation[sunlight] can reduce the transmission of COVID-19," said a team led by Ye Yao, of Fudan University in Shanghai. "It might be premature to count on warmer weather to control COVID-19."
Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency medicinespecialist working at the heart of the U.S. COVID-19 outbreak in New York City, agreed.