Summer’s warmer temperatures may beckon but they do not promise to put an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a leading Hartford HealthCare physician.

Dr. Ajay Kumar, Chief Clinical Officer for the system, told reporters in his daily press briefing April 27 that there is no evidence indicating that warmer weather will cause a decrease in virus activity in the same way it does for influenza and other conditions.

“There is some evidence that it doesn’t like bright (sun) light, but there’s no evidence that human transmission (of COVID-19) will decrease in the summer,” Dr. Kumar said.

In addition, he predicted that social distancing guidelines will remain in effect locally through the fall as a continued protection for residents.

“I know it’s not a popular thing to hear but social distancing is the best tool we have,” he said, adding that it would be “irresponsible” to give a timeline for the virus’ life cycle given the lack of a vaccine and shortage of tests.

Dr. Kumar also stressed that “herd immunity” to COVID-19 has not developed in this country yet. This phenomenon describes the effect of having a large percentage of a population become immune to a threatening infection, either by recovering from being infected or by getting vaccinated. Herd immunity creates a safer environment for people who are not immune to a virus because most people they come into contact with could not transmit it to them.

Although there has been much discussion and planning for antibody testing to find out who is immune to COVID-19, he said the degree of immunity revealed through the testing is not yet quantifiable. The World Health Organization has said there is no such thing as “immunity passports,” which some world governments are relying upon as support for reopening their society.

“The antibody test shows (if) the person had the infection, but we don’t know the level of immunity provided against reinfection,” Dr. Kumar explained.

Studies currently underway, he added, will hopefully address that concern.

“We need more evidence on the neutralizing antibodies,” he said, of antibodies that defend cells in the body from an infection by neutralizing any biological effect it wreaks. “The science is still evolving.”

Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.

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