Despite some scientists’ hopes that summer temperatures would help reduce coronavirus transmission, the number of cases in the country continues to soar, writes Sarah Toy for The Wall Street Journal.

Studies have shown that sunlight can reduce the virus both on surfaces and in the air much more quickly by warming the temperature.

However, current levels of immunity in the population, the way the virus is transmitted, and how the public has been behaving are negating the possible positive effects.

According to experts, COVID-19 immunity in the population is still low, giving the virus plenty of opportunities to spread.

Additionally, while sunlight can deactivate the virus in the air outside, COVID-19 is more often contracted in indoor, poorly-ventilated spaces.

This connects to the biggest factor: human behavior.

The virus spreads best during person-to-person interaction, especially at crowded events in poorly ventilated areas.

To avoid transmission, public-health officials urged people to avoid spending time in such places, wear masks, and stay six feet apart – recommendations that have been ignored by some.

“What we do determines what the virus does,” said Tom Frieden, former director of the CDC.

Read more about COVID-19 spread at The Wall Street Journal by clicking here.

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