Estimated Inactivation of Coronaviruses by Solar Radiation With Special Reference to COVID-19

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ABSTRACT

Using a model developed to estimate the solar inactivation of viruses concerning biodefense, the expected inactivation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic, by artificial UVC and by solar ultraviolet radiation was calculated in several cities around the world during different times of the year. The UV sensitivity estimated for SARS-CoV-2 was compared with those reported for other ssRNA viruses, including influenza A virus.

The results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 aerosolized from infected patients and deposited on surfaces could remain infectious outdoors for a considerable time during the winter in many temperate zone cities, with risk of re-aerosolization and human infection. In contrast, the data presented indicate that SARS-CoV-2 should be inactivated relatively quickly (faster than influenza A) during the summer in many cities around the world, indicating that sunlight must play a role in the occurrence. , spread rate and duration of coronavirus pandemics.