RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The ongoing hot weather is stirring up health concerns in more ways than one — more people flocking indoors for air conditioning could be contributing to a rise in COVID-19 cases in central Virginia.
Experts with the Virginia Department of Health said this warning isn’t about fear. It’s not that the Richmond area is seeing an unusually high number of cases, rather that this recent uptick is just another reminder that COVID-19 is endemic and will likely continue to come and go in waves.
Back during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the public often associated warmer weather with summer and being outdoors and, therefore, limited exposure to the virus. However, in recent weeks, doctors and medical professionals are noting an interesting trend.
“It is hotter than it’s ever been,” said Dr. Melissa Viray, Deputy Director for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts. “We have the 4th of July coming up… people are having barbecues, but they’re all coming inside.”