An Opinion Way poll highlights the concern of the French about the arrival of hot weather during an epidemic period.
- Summer 2020 is expected to be warmer than the average recorded in previous years
- People vulnerable to extreme heat are also vulnerable to Covid-19
- The French are worried about not being able to take advantage of the air conditioning at work in times of epidemic
After a spring rated among the hottest in France behind that of 2011 (+1.7°C than normal), the Météo France forecasts point to a June-July-August quarter also warmer than average, with a prolonged drought in the Mediterranean basin. The risks associated with these excessive temperatures, associated with the Covid-19 epidemic, are worrying the health authorities and the French.
UN alerts
“Although environmental conditions likely play a limited role in determining where and when Covid-19 occurs, heat can worsen the consequences for patients with the virus and could increase transmission rates when people congregate outdoors. outdoors and in public spacesalerts the UN in a communicated. Separately, an influx of heat patients into health services can strain them at a time when many have already reached breaking point due to Covid-19..”
Many people are vulnerable to both heat and the new coronavirus: this is particularly the case for people aged 65 and over, those with underlying health problems such as cardiovascular, pulmonary, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, mental health problems (psychiatric disorders, depression), pregnant women, or even workers exteriors. “In areas affected by a high number of Covid-19 cases, a severe heat event could lead to massive losses and significant health impacts”warns the UN.
The apprehension of a reconfinement
According to an Opinion way* survey carried out for CLIMSOM, the cocktail heat wave and Covid-19 worries the French: 71% fear wearing a mask in hot weather, 66% fear a new confinement and 61% of not being able to take care of their vulnerable loved ones because of a possible new restriction of travel and 50% fear the ban on using air conditioning in the office to limit the spread of the virus.
“Nearly 4 out of 10 French people fear the possibility of a reconfinement because of their difficult housing conditions (lack of space, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, etc.). Young people living especially in small areas express a higher level of concern (57% of 18-24 year olds and 54% of 25-34 year olds).”
Being confined this summer would be all the more difficult for the French as 59% of them have more difficulty withstanding the heat indoors than outdoors and 54% even choose their holiday destination in such a way as to avoid extreme heat.
Heat wave and coronavirus at work
We know that while it can survive on surfaces, Covid-19 travels primarily through the air. This is why it is recommended, especially in nursing homes and companies, to leave the windows open and to limit the use of air conditioners with recycled air which brew the same air continuously. A worrying security measure 1 out of 2 French people and more particularly young working people (64% of 25-34 year olds) and women (54% against 45% of men).
* Opinion Way study carried out on the basis of a sample of 1,401 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over, in June 2020.
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