What’s a summer without a COVID spike?

SALT LAKE CITY — COVID cases are surging once again this summer. But it’s not unusual to see that around summertime. The CDC says cases rise in the heat of the summer.

Why Now?

Respiratory Disease Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health and Human services Josh Benton says it’s because more people are on the go and in large crowds during summer months.

“It’s obviously really hot outside so people are getting together indoors in the air conditioning,” said Benton.

The summer heat also means those large gatherings of people for parties, concerts and family reunions are also happening inside. 

Benton said that most people tend to travel in summer — while children are out of school — adding to the spread of COVID.

The timing of booster shots also plays a factor. 

“People typically get the updated booster shots in the fall so by the time summer rolls around that immunity may be waning,” said Benton.

 

Not just Utah

It’s not just Utah, the CDC reports more than half of the 50 states are seeing high levels of the virus.

Several western states including Utah, Nevada, California and Oregon are all seeing an uptick.

The heat wave hitting most of the US is also providing ideal conditions for the virus since it likes its environment warm and moist. 

 

More to come 

The CDC says numbers peak in the winter as well, when people gather inside to stay warm and travel for winter holidays. So, expect to see another surge in a few months. 

 

Related: 

• CDC drops 5-day isolation guidance for COVID-19 
• Long COVID affecting as many as 10K people in Utah
• Excessive heat warnings issued throughout Utah as ‘heat dome’ arrives