'Coronavirus particles piggyback on PM 2.5 leading to deadly cocktail'

Arvind Kumar, chairperson, Centre for Chest Surgery at Sir Gangaram Hospital said the situation will get during festivals

The record high number of new COVID-19 cases being reported in Delhi is a “direct effect of air pollution”, says Arvind Kumar, chairperson, Centre for Chest Surgery at Sir Gangaram Hospital (SGRH), New Delhi.

Virus particles piggyback on particulate matter in the air, and enter the lungs, Kumar explains, adding that pollution is also related to heart disease, hypertension, etc., all of which increase the risk of mortality from COVID-19.

“If this deadly cocktail--the festivities which will occur over the next few days, coupled with the steep rise in pollution--has an effect on COVID