The effect of wind speed in increasing COVID-19 cases in Jakarta: a spatial-temporal analysis from March to September 2020

Abstract

Background The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is described as a highly contagious virus, and wind speed is suspected to be one of the climate elements that play a role in its spread, among others. This study aims to determine the relationship between wind speed and the increase in COVID-19 cases, as well as its potential spread, based on regional characteristics. Methods The design of this study was an ecological study based on time and place to integrate geographic information systems and tested using statistical techniques. The data used were wind speed and weekly COVID-19 cases from March to September 2020. These records were obtained from the special coronavirus website of Jakarta Provincial Health Office and the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. The data were analyzed by correlation, graphic/time trend, and spatial analysis. Results The wind speed (maximum and mean) from March to September 2020 tended to fluctuate between 1.43 and 6.07 m/s. The correlation test results between the average wind speed and COVID-19 cases in Jakarta showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.542; p value = 0.002). Conclusions Areas with high wind speeds tended to show an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, especially in the coastal areas of Jakarta. Wind speed plays a role in increasing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, in people who did not implement health protocols properly. This mechanism can be worsened with support of environmental factors such as air pollution.