Summer temperature won’t help contain coronavirus: WHO

April 5, 2020
New Delhi:Though many experts have expressed optimism towards the onset of summer in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Sunday said high temperature would not finish the virus.

The WHO, in a series of tweets, busted several myths about coronavirus, especially regarding rise in temperature.

“Exposing yourself to sun or to temperatures higher than 25 degree Celsius doesn’t prevent Covid-19. You can catch Covid-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is,” the WHO said.

Stating that countries having higher temperature didn’t remain unaffected, it said the only way to be safe was to ensure hygiene. “Countries with hot weather have also reported Covid-19 cases. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly, and avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose,” the WHO said.

The WHO said drinking methanol, ethanol or bleach wouldn’t prevent or cure Covid-19 and could be extremely dangerous, as these were used in cleaning products to kill the virus on surfaces. “If consumed, they will not kill the virus in the body, but will harm internal organs,” it said.

Also drinking alcohol was no protection against coronavirus, it said and added, frequent or excessive liquor consumption could increase risk of health problems.

On myth around holding breath for a few minutes to check coronavirus, the WHO said, “Being able to hold your breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort doesn’t mean you are free from the coronavirus or any other lung disease.”

The best way to confirm about the disease was laboratory test. “You can’t confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous,” said the WHO.IANS