Cold wave continues until the 7th... Concerns over the spread of novel coronavirus

Lowest Temperatures This Winter on the 5th in Seoul, Incheon, and More
Temperatures Expected to Rise from the Afternoon of the 7th, Returning to Average Levels

Low Temperature and Humidity Increase Virus Survival Rate
Body Temperature Drops as Temperature Falls
Concerns Over Virus Infection Due to Weakened Immunity

As the government restricts entry for all foreigners who have visited or stayed in Hubei Province to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection, on the 5th, health authorities at the dedicated arrival area for flights from China at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport are preparing to verify passengers' domestic contact information.
Yeongjongdo - Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-joo] On the 5th, a sudden cold wave froze the entire country solid. The cold and dry weather creates an environment favorable for virus survival. It may also affect the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

As of 9 a.m. that day, Seoul recorded -11.0°C, Incheon -10.4°C, and Cheorwon -17.2°C, showing the lowest temperatures of this winter so far. A cold wave warning was in effect for Seoul, Incheon, and northern and eastern Gyeonggi Province, with some areas in northern Gyeonggi dropping below -15°C. With the wind, the wind chill temperature in Seoul dropped as low as -17°C.

The cold weather will continue until tomorrow. The minimum temperatures on the morning of the 6th are forecasted to be -12°C in Seoul, -9°C in Incheon, -10°C in Daejeon, and -5°C in Busan. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from -1°C to 7°C, lower than the average (-3°C to 9°C). With strong winds, the wind chill temperature is expected to reach between -22°C and -15°C. This cold spell will continue until the morning of the 7th, after which temperatures are expected to rise during the day and return to average levels.

Although it is difficult to predict virus survival based solely on lowered temperatures, viruses are generally known to survive longer in dry conditions with temperatures below 5°C and humidity below 20-30%. For this reason, it can be assumed that the novel coronavirus will become more active as temperature and humidity drop. In a past study, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) virus survived more than 48 hours in an environment with a temperature of 20°C and humidity of 40%, but only about 8 hours in an environment with 30°C and 80% humidity.

It is also important to be cautious as lowered body temperature weakens immunity. Although it varies by individual, it is generally known that immunity decreases by about 30-40% when body temperature drops by 1°C. As body temperature decreases, the likelihood of virus infection increases accordingly. Dry environments are also critical. When the air is dry, the respiratory defense membranes, including the nasal mucosa, are easily damaged, making it easier for viruses to penetrate the body.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.