Minnesota has officially entered the fall season. Already doctors, clinics and hospitals are preparing for an increase in COVID cases, brought on by the change in weather. They’re working with manufacturers to stock up on necessary equipment and supplies.
Transcript
Minnesota has officially entered the fall season. Already doctors, clinics and hospitals are preparing for an increase in COVID cases, brought on by the change in weather. They’re working with manufacturers to stock up on necessary equipment and supplies. Dr. Greg Poland, infectious disease specialist at the Mayo Clinic, tells us why.
Dr. Greg Poland: This virus thrives in cold weather where the humidity is down and where people are crowded together.
Marie:
This probably won’t surprise anyone who’s ever had a cold or flu in winter. Winter just seems to be the season for viruses, like COVID, to spread. As Dr. Poland stated, that’s because a.) people tend to crowd indoors, where transmission is easier and b.) virus particles tend to linger longer in dry winter air. That also increases the likelihood of transmission.
We’re heading into the dry, cold season as we’re seeing major surges of COVID around the U.S. and in Minnesota. Dr. Poland hopes people do their part with masking and social distancing.
Dr. Poland: My heart is heavy with trying to get across just how bad a sign this is. And we’re going to have to do everything we can to convince people this is serious business that has to be attended to properly or people will get hurt.