TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A researcher of the Eijkman Institute of Molecular Biology, Herawati Sudoyo, said that there was no study on the relation of air temperature with the coronavirus or COVID-19 thus far.

“No research is available yet about the role of air temperature with the death or life of the virus,” said Herawati on Sunday, March 1, dismissing issues that Indonesia was less prone to the current emerging virus because of the country’s hot weather.

Herawati explained that the virus was indeed sensitive if it was exposed to heat at 56 degrees Celcius for 30 minutes. However, she reminded that Indonesia’s temperature did not even reach 56 degrees Celcius.

“So it’s very speculative that air temperature will tackle [the virus],” said Herawati, adding that the body’s immune during cold season theoretically declined so people are susceptible to contract a disease.

The researcher recalled that back in 2005 during the spread of avian influenza, body immunity played a vital role. So, amid the threat of the recent China virus, she called on the public to keep personal hygiene and be careful when having interaction with people.

“The virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing, or by means environmental aspects. So there is no way we can do except when we sit, clean the table, wash hands frequently. These acts are enough to reduce the threat from the infectious disease,” Herawati explained.

The coronavirus was first emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has now reached around 58 countries in the world. To date, the death toll is recorded at 2,979 people, and some 86,989 people are infected with the COVID-19, while those who have been declared cured amounted to 42,294 people.

BUDIARTI UTAMI PUTRI