The COVID-19 pandemic has seen the world glued to news sources looking for answers. Many of those questions have ever-evolving answers. And then there are those we’re waiting for with hope in our hearts. Here are three important questions about COVID-19 right now.
Will COVID-19 Be Gone By Summer?
Schools throughout the US are announcing their plans for the rest of the school year. What many are saying: School is out indefinitely. Does that mean the general public will still be coping with the Coronavirus through summer months?
“Realistically, I think it’s going to be going well into the summer in some areas,” Dr. Robert Norton, a professor of public health at Auburn University, told People.
Why some areas versus widespread throughout the country? The virus is impacting different states and cities at different times. While New York may be the hot spot now, other cities that have yet to be fully impacted by COVID-19 could see their area peak weeks from now. Norton added, “there will be some places where it’s still circulating, so it never really leaves.”
Will Warmer Weather Impact the Pandemic?
In an article today from New Scientist, it opened with the World Health Organization’s statement that the virus can be transmitted in all areas, “including areas with hot and humid weather.”
Tests are ongoing around the globe to see the impact of the weather on COVID-19. New Scientist cited a study from Harvard that’s found, so far, “no significant difference in transmission rates between cold and dry provinces of China and tropical ones, as well as Singapore, concluding that higher temperature and humidity ‘will not necessarily lead to declines in case counts.'”
The article also pointed to a contradictory study out of Wuhan, China released the following day: “Researchers found that cold air destroys the virus. They recommended that, as the weather warms, containment measures should be ramped up.” The next sentence in the article then said, “Since then, at least 11 similar studies have been posted online. Most have found the opposite.”
Classify this question under one with ever-evolving answers.
Are You Immune to COVID-19 Once You’ve Had It?
On The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Noah, “We don’t know that for 100% certain because we haven’t done the study. But I feel really confident that if this virus acts like every other virus that we know, once you get infected, get better, clear the virus, then you will have immunity that will protect you against reinfection.”
Yet, Norton told People, “At this point, we have to say it’s possible,” says Norton, “but we don’t know the percentage of people that are going to continue to be susceptible.”
This is an area where there’s some hope, but more research and time is required for a definitive answer. Per People, Norton said, “we won’t know that answer for sure until after the major outbreak passes and scientists are able to do antibody testing, which would provide a clearer understanding of who has had the virus and how they managed the symptoms.”
More COVID-19 Questions and Answers
- Questions about face masks and COVID-19.
- Wondering if it’s safe to bring groceries or take-out into your home?
- What are the proper cleaning methods for your home during the pandemic?
Parentology will continue to keep you updated on questions we all have during this time.
Here’s some Fauci and Noah to bring even more knowledge into your world. (Check out Fauci’s interview with NBA star Stephen Curry, too.)
Covid-19 Questions: Sources
People
New Scientist
The Daily Show YouTube Channel