A surge in covid-19 infections in Thailand and South-east Asia in recent days has increased doubts over a theory that warmer weather could stem the spread of the virus, health experts say.
Relatively low cases of infections in many South-east Asian countries had been cited as possible evidence. Evidence that hotter weather was suppressing the virus. Giving hope to Europe and the United States as they head into spring.
But countries from Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines have recently recorded a high rate of infections in recent days. A sign seasonal factors may only play a limited role in coronavirus’ spread.
“The temperature theory doesn’t really hold up given what’s happening right now in much of South-east Asia,” said Professor Tikki Pangestu at Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
“People in Europe hope warm weather will kill the virus….
