Does higher temperatures affect the novel coronavirus ?. The question has been doing the round for some time. Some laboratory data do indicate a spike in the mercury curbs the SARS-CoV-2 spread. But these are not absolute. At a Hong Kong study:
At 4°C, 90%+ virus remained on surface after 14 days incubation
At 22°C ~50% remained after 7 days; none after 14 days
At 37°C they halved after a day; none remained later
Another study suggests SARS-CoV-2 has a longer half-life (every time half the virus becomes inactive) under 50% humidity than influenza virus and SARS-CoV-1. But in these experiential studies, the virus is grown in tissue culture (TC) media. Survival properties are different for virus from naturally infected humans spreading directly. Also, some labs can't maintain desired temperature and humidity. Every 1°C rise in ambient temperature reduced daily confirmed cases by 36-57%: A natural history study from China suggest. Another study on growth rates in 121 countries found the highest rates in temperate regions. Growth rates peaked with mean temperature of 5°C; decreased in warmer and colder climates. Some experts though think virus characteristics might have changed due to human travel.
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