Heat Waves and COVID-19: Current Understanding of Preventive Measures
Santé publique France has published a summary of the current state of knowledge regarding heat wave prevention among the general population during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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This rapid review of the evidence was conducted by Santé publique France to help guide the decisions of policymakers and public authorities and the implementation of those decisions, in accordance with our mandate.
It should be noted that at the time of publication of this rapid summary, the WHO issued a note highlighting the role of aerosols and fomites in the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the wearing of face masks by the general public was made mandatory for anyone aged 11 and older in enclosed public spaces pursuant to Decree No. 2020-884.
The ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in France requires adjustments to heat wave prevention messages.
The increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, linked to climate change, has been frequently reported worldwide and in France. In France, since 2015, heat wave alerts have affected more departments, some of which had never previously been placed under an orange heat wave alert. Temperature records have been broken, and heat waves occurring earlier (in June) or later (late August–early September) have been observed. Finally, for the first time since the National Heat Wave Plan was implemented in 2004, red alerts were issued during the summer of 2019. For this year, despite a low level of confidence, Météo-France’s three-month forecast suggests that, across the southwestern two-thirds of France, the coming quarter is expected to be drier than normal. Regarding temperatures, no clear trend emerges for France except along the Mediterranean coast, which is expected to experience a warmer-than-normal quarter from July through September 2020. During the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and in the event of heat waves, certain recommendations and measures related to heat waves and COVID-19 will need to be adapted to ensure optimal health protection for the entire population. This summary first reviews current prevention measures regarding heat waves and COVID-19, and then highlights key considerations regarding recommendations and measures within both prevention frameworks should a heat wave occur during the period when the SARS-CoV-2 virus is circulating.
This summary addresses the following question:
What adjustments to heat wave prevention measures and COVID-19 prevention measures should be considered in the event that both occur simultaneously?
Key Takeaways
In France, since 2015, heat waves have increased in frequency and intensity, occurring earlier or later in the summer.
Several studies show a negative ecological correlation between climate variables and the incidence of COVID-19. Nevertheless, based on current knowledge, projections indicate that increases in temperature and humidity during the summer season alone will not be sufficient to control the transmission of the virus without additional control measures.
In epidemiological terms, there are commonalities between heat waves and COVID-19 in terms of emergency care utilization, overlapping clinical signs, and certain individual, social, and environmental risk factors.
Prevention messages exist and are widely disseminated for both risks, but conflicting recommendations are possible.
Prevention measures must be adapted to address both risks simultaneously.
Visiting air-conditioned public spaces and venues (movie theaters, stores, swimming pools, etc.) is encouraged during heat waves but restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is necessary to adapt the use of personal fans and air conditioners during periods of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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synthèse rapide des connaissances
22 July 2020
Heatwave prevention for the general public during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
1. The rules regarding mask-wearing changed on July 20, 2020, following the implementation of Decree No. 2020-884 of July 17, 2020, amending Decree No. 2020-860 of July 10, 2020, prescribing the general measures necessary to address the COVID-19 epidemic in territories that have emerged from the state of public health emergency and in those where it has been extended. Available at: https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000042124104&categorieLien;=id [accessed July 21, 2020],
2. World Health Organization. (2020). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: implications for infection prevention precautions: scientific brief, July 9, 2020. World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/333114
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