A wind speed threshold for increased outdoor transmission of coronavirus: an ecological study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To examine whether outdoor transmission may contribute to the COVID-19 epidemic, we hypothesized that slower outdoor wind speed is associated with increased risk of transmission when individuals socialize outside.

Methods

Daily COVID-19 incidence reported in Suffolk County, NY, between March 16th and December 31st, 2020, was the outcome. Average wind speed and maximal daily temperature were collated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Negative binomial regression was used to model incidence rates while adjusting for susceptible population size.

Results

Cases were very high in the initial wave but diminished once lockdown procedures were enacted. Most days between May 1st, 2020, and October 24th, 2020, had temperatures 16-28 °C and wind s

SUBMITTER: Clouston SAP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8626759 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature