University professor Constantin Spînu, doctor habilitate in medicine, said the published data show the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the COVID-19 infection, is resistant to lower temperatures. At higher temperatures and in conditions of increased humidity, the virus can become less aggressive. But the source of infection or the factors that contribute to the spread of infection are not only the aerosols that form in the air as a result of coughing or sneezing, but also the surfaces, such as the tables and chairs, where the virus can tolerate high temperatures too.
Contacted by IPN for details, Constantin Spînu, who heads the Research and Innovation Division of the National Public Health Agency, said it was determined that the virus lives longer on porous surfaces, like books, than on metallic surfaces.
He noted that even if the temperatures rise, the prophylactic and prevention measures should be obeyed. The previous week, even if the temperatures were high, the incidence of infections was the highest so far. The people should not relax now as the risk of infection persists.
Constantin Spînu underlined that the epidemiological situation will not change if the protection measures and imposed restrictions are not obeyed. The people should further avoid forming groups larger than three persons. The irresponsible behavior leads to the worsening of the situation and greater pressure on the health system.
According to the professor, if the population does not show sanitary culture, the temperatures will not change the situation. The duration of the crisis depends on the responsible behavior of each citizen.
On June 9, the number of infections with COVID-19 in Moldova exceeded 10,000. As many as 367 persons succumbed to the disease by now.
