It was previously expected that there would be fewer corona infections in the summer, but it turns out that the virus is even more sensitive to the heat than we thought. The start of the summer has so far had as much effect as the closure of schools and universities, and that bodes well.
Don't look at the corona infections through rose-colored glasses
On June 13, several British scientists published their new findings on the coronavirus and its effects on it. This showed that there are about 40% fewer infections in the summer than in the winter. This is of course very good news, but that does not mean that the virus is over. According to Jacco Wallinga, head modeler of the RIVM, we must be careful not to get too relaxed with the measures. Because when winter comes again, the infections will rise again.
Jan Kulveit of Oxford University in Great Britain also warns against these prospects. He is afraid that people see the reduction in infections as a sign that herd immunity has been strengthened when this does not have to be the case at all. If we drop the measures too soon, there is a good chance that there will be another large increase in infections in the autumn.
Most corona infections in winter
Almost everyone knows by now that the virus cannot withstand the summer well. In the summer we are all outside, where the virus is counteracted by the sunlight and the higher humidity. In winter it can spread easily when we are all together in a closed, dry room. However, outbreaks can still occur in the summer, the chance of this is only smaller than in other seasons.
Research has shown that the virus spreads best in the months between November and May. We also saw this last year, when a significant increase in the number of infections suddenly emerged after the summer holidays. The measures were too soft in the summer so that we suddenly had to deal with them much more strictly in the autumn. We need to avoid this mistake this year.
Unpredictable autumn due to vaccinations
There is now so different talk about the virus and the associated measures due to the increase in vaccines. It is still unclear whether these will keep the virus in check, or whether we still need extra corona measures in the autumn. Still, the outlook for vaccines is very positive. Where the Netherlands first lagged in vaccinating its inhabitants, we are now in 6th place as a country within the EU.
There are now about a quarter of a million inoculations a day and it is expected that more than 12 million shots have already been taken in total. However, this remains an estimate, because not all vaccinations are registered equally quickly. It is known that 29% of the population has already been fully vaccinated.
What we as a population should pay attention to now is the upcoming holiday period. Because more and more people are now vaccinated, more people are also going on holiday. This entails the necessary risks. THEREFORE, the RIVM calls on you to be tested now and then, even if you have had a vaccination. This is how we prevent unnecessary corona infections.
What can you do to prevent corona infections?
There is currently a relaxation of the measures, including wearing masks. Although this is of course good news, it can also ensure that an increase in infections is imminent. It is therefore important to take the necessary measures yourself to prevent corona infections.
So wear your mask as much as possible. This is especially important in areas where many people come together, such as supermarkets or busy shopping streets. Also make sure you get tested if you have symptoms of the virus, and don't go on holiday without vaccination and/or test negative.
Meeting outside with friends and family is very pleased with the sunny weather and certainly something to remember. Try to limit the number of visits per day and also keep your distance from others outside where possible. We are not yet rid of the virus, but we will only succeed if we all work together to keep the virus in check.
The content of this article is based on scientific publications and was written in collaboration with medical specialists/nutritionists.