Coronavirus dies quickest in sunlight and humidity, US scientists say
- Government researchers found ultraviolet rays had a potent impact on the pathogen, offering hope that its spread may ease over the summer
- Trump said the findings should be interpreted cautiously as the study awaits external evaluation
William Bryan, science and technology adviser to the Department of Homeland Security secretary, told reporters at the White House that government scientists had found ultraviolet rays had a potent impact on the pathogen, offering hope that its spread may ease over the summer.
“Our most striking observation to date is the powerful effect that solar light appears to have on killing the virus, both surfaces and in the air,” he said.
“We’ve seen a similar effect with both temperature and humidity as well, where increasing the temperature and humidity or both is generally less favourable to the virus.”
But the paper itself has not yet been released for review, making it difficult for independent experts to comment on how robust its methodology was.