Cold Weather Coronavirus Myths

Think the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can't survive cold weather? Think again! With the snow and cold weather we're seeing for the next couple days, a lot of Coloradans are thinking about what happens with coronavirus and snow. We talked to our chief medical officer, Connie Savor Price, MD to help bust some of the coronavirus myths.

Coronavirus & snow: Can snow and cold weather kill the novel coronavirus?

According to Dr. Price, the answer is a resounding "No." She said, "in fact, coronaviruses tend to proliferate better in cooler weather."

The World Health Organization said that from all the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all climate areas, whether its hot and humid or cold and dry.

FACT: cold weather and snow cannot kill the new coronavirus.

If I am showing any symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, is it okay to go outside?

Dr. Price said regardless of the weather, "if you feel well enough, and are not experiencing symptoms, you may go outside as long as you can remain at least six feet away from others." She noted that if you are ill and do have symptoms of the virus, it is best not to go outside of your home or room.

A lot of people will be stuck inside during the storm, hunkering down with their families. Dr. Price offers this advice to those to protect themselves and others from getting sick – try taking an online exercise class, ride a stationary bike or take a walk or jog on your treadmill – just make sure that you wipe down any exercise equipment with household cleaners after using it."

Best Protection From Coronavirus

There is a lot of misinformation floating around about the best way to protect yourself from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). We asked Dr. Price about one popular theory that says we can protect ourselves from getting the novel coronavirus if we wear gloves when pumping gas into our cars and when shopping in the grocery. Again, according to Dr. Price, the answer is no, "because you will contaminate your hands when removing gloves. It is best to use waterless hand sanitizer or wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after touching surfaces in public," Dr. Price said.

She also addressed whether people should go around spraying disinfectant spray in their homes after coming home. "Keep your home clean and wipe down surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners. Spraying products into the air are unlikely to be as effective as wiping down high touch surfaces frequently," said Dr. Price.

For the latest updates and news on the novel coronavirus and preventing further spread of the coronavirus, visit DenverHealth.org/coronavirus. See our latest patient visitor policy.