Hi Carol ... viruses spread more rapidly and proliferate at a greater rate in cold weather environments because colder air causes nasal passages and upper respiratory tracts to dry out which allows easier attachment by air born viruses. In warmer, humid weather our respiratory systems are more capable to fend off such viruses (that is why some people run humidifiers in their homes in the northern states where the air dries out significantly during the winter months). In addition, viruses are far more stable in cold, dry air because the particles can remain air born longer. In thick, humid air the virus droplets that emerge when someone sneezes will pick up moisture from the air and fall to the ground. Of course, this does not protect us from someone who has touched a door knob or faucet and didn't wash their hands. That is why we must resist touching our faces and rubbing our eyes during flu sneezes. These same principals should apply to a corona virus. It's a different type of virus that is still being understood, but it's still a virus nonetheless.
Where did I get this from? First, from the youngest son who's lab in California works with viruses on a molecular level, and then I e-mailed my pulmonary doctor at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio to get his thoughts about it and he provided essentially the same response. From what I am interpreting, many of the decisions being made by some countries has been based on fear and xenophobia. Some crazy travel bans have emerged in the Caribbean (like the cruise ship that had one person with a mild case of the flu) not being permitted to make port in Jamaica the other day). Fortunately, Mexico allowed the ship to dock and there was absolutely no corona virus on that ship. I highly doubt that travel bans can effectively prevent outbreaks when they arise; people will simply hide their symptoms from doctors and take medications to make them feel better.
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