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A wind speed threshold for increased outdoor transmission of coronavirus: an ecological study.
Clouston, Sean A P; Morozova, Olga; Meliker, Jaymie R.
  • Clouston SAP; Program in Public Health, Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook University, #3-071, Nichols Rd., Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8338, USA. sean.clouston@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
  • Morozova O; Department of Family, Population, and Preventive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, USA. sean.clouston@stonybrookmedicine.edu.
  • Meliker JR; Program in Public Health, Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook University, #3-071, Nichols Rd., Stony Brook, NY, 11794-8338, USA.
BMC Infect Dis ; 21(1): 1194, 2021 Nov 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1538060
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 speed diminished slowly over the year and began to increase again in December 2020. Unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted analyses revealed that days with temperatures ranging between 16 and 28 °C where wind speed was < 8.85 km per hour (KPH) had increased COVID-19 incidence (aIRR = 1.45, 95% C.I. = [1.28-1.64], P < 0.001) as compared to days with average wind speed ≥ 8.85 KPH.

CONCLUSION:

Throughout the U.S. epidemic, the role of outdoor shared spaces such as parks and beaches has been a topic of considerable interest. This study suggests that outdoor transmission of COVID-19 may occur by noting that 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 some outdoor environments where airflow is limited.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Wind / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Infect Dis Journal subject: Communicable Diseases Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12879-021-06796-z

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Wind / COVID-19 Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: BMC Infect Dis Journal subject: Communicable Diseases Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12879-021-06796-z