When COVID-19 first appeared, some experts were predicting a seasonality to the virus, and that it would weaken as the summer approached. But now with summer in full swing, states like Arizona, Florida and Texas have been seeing surges in cases.
Will Humble is the former state health director. He says he hasn’t seen any evidence at this point that the virus is seasonal. He thinks the rise in cases now has nothing to do with the warm weather.
“What I think you’re looking at is states that have made poor decisions," Humble said. "It’s not about how hot those states are, it’s about the policy decisions that were made in those states. That’s my opinion.”
Humble says recent cases and hospitalizations in Arizona do show a downward trend. He attributes this to the mask wearing policies put in place in cities a couple weeks ago as well as the closing of bars and nightclubs. But if the state wants to continue the downward trend, he says the restrictions have to remain in place.
