Higher Solar Irradiance Is Associated With a Lower Incidence of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Nov 19;71(16):2269-2271. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa575.

Abstract

We studied the relationship between the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), demographical, and climatological measurements in different regions across the world. Lower solar irradiance and higher population density were independent predictors of greater COVID-19 outbreaks. Further studies on the potential protective effect of sunlight over COVID-19 are warranted.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; climatological factors; incidence; solar irradiance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / mortality
  • Climate*
  • Global Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Population Density
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sunlight*
  • Ultraviolet Rays