A Comparison Association Study between COVID-19 Spreading, Particulate Matters, and Meteorological Factors in Most and Least Air Polluted Cities

Meteorological parameters and particulate matters of air pollution are the crucial factors affecting the transmission of virus. The present study analyzed the association between new COVID-19 cases and particulate matters and climate indicators in most air polluted cities (Delhi, and Jakarta) and least air polluted cities (Paris, and London). Secondary published data of daily COVID-19 cases and meteorological conditions e.g. temperature, relative and absolute humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and particulate matters (PM2.5 and PM10) from official and indirect source were used to perform Kendall and Spearman rank correlation tests. Temperature which considered as crucial factor of virus transmission showed a significant positive association with new COVID-19 cases. Correlation test however, showed both insignificant association between daily new case and humidity, wind speed, and rainfall in the selected cities. New COVID-19 cases were significantly correlated with PM10 in all studied cities. In contrast, no positive association noticed between virus transmission and PM2.5 in Delhi. Result of present study indicated the high PM10 was associated with virus transmission but association between meteorological factors and COVID-19 suggests further investigation to fill the current gap of knowledge.